When selecting companions for lupines (Lupinus spp.), it is crucial to consider their growth pattern. Lupines are primarily vertical plants, sending up impressive flower spires from a basal clump of palmate foliage. To create a visually balanced and texturally rich display, pair them with plants that offer contrasting forms. Low-growing, mounding, or spreading plants are ideal for filling the space around the base of lupines, which can sometimes become leggy. Excellent choices include hardy geraniums (Geranium spp.), which form a dense carpet of foliage and offer a long season of blooms, or lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis), whose soft, scalloped leaves catch dewdrops and provide a beautiful textural contrast to the lupine's bold leaves.
Lupines are typically celebrated for their late spring to early summer bloom. To ensure a continuous display of color in the garden, interplant them with species that flower before, during, and after the lupines' main event. For earlier spring color, plant bulbs like alliums, whose spherical flower heads create a stunning architectural contrast to the lupine spires. To extend the season of interest after lupines have faded, incorporate mid-to-late summer bloomers such as phlox (Phlox paniculata), whose domed flower clusters provide a different shape, or Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum × superbum) for a classic, cheerful appearance. This strategy ensures the garden remains vibrant and dynamic.
The foliage of companion plants is just as important as their flowers for creating a year-round stunning display. Lupines have distinct, star-shaped leaf formations. Pairing them with plants that have vastly different leaf shapes and textures adds depth and complexity. The broad, heart-shaped leaves of hostas or the fine, feathery fronds of astilbes provide a superb textural counterpoint. Furthermore, consider color echoing. The often silvery-green foliage of plants like lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina) or artemisia beautifully complements the lush green of lupine leaves and helps to highlight their flower colors, whether deep purples, pinks, or whites.
Companion planting from an ecological perspective can enhance the health of your lupines. Lupines are nitrogen-fixing plants, meaning they convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form other plants can use, naturally enriching the soil. Heavy feeders and plants that thrive in the same well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions will benefit from this relationship. Roses, for instance, are excellent partners as they appreciate the improved soil and their sprawling habit contrasts with the upright lupines. Additionally, planting nectar-rich companions like catmint (Nepeta) or salvia helps attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which will also visit the lupine flowers, promoting a healthier and more productive garden ecosystem.
