Tree Lupin

Hiya folks.
I have one of these in the garden and was wondering what I should do with with regards to pruning/chopping back?



Cheers...Freddy

 

Hi Freddy
Wait till the frost had made it die down then cut it right back to the ground , it would benefit with a good thick manure mulch over winter , its a short lived plant, 3 to 4 years at the most and could die out at 2 years , has it set seed ?

 

well we all do different things , it used to look a right old mess and any snow the whole thing used to get flattened , so one Autumn cut it all right back and a good dressing of muck very well rotted used to have all fresh growth each year , it was the muck that helped it bounce back .
Interesting to see what others do .....

I have just checked they say "dont over prune but replace after 4 or 5 years as it looks messy and save the seeds " thinking back mine must of been at least 3 years old when it had the chop , but it grew in a very well drained part of the garden in full sun.
Spruce

 

Yes, some seed set. It had wonderful yellow flowers with a strong scent - quite spectacular. I have no idea how old it is, but considering it has quite a thick trunk, must be at least two years old? Best grown from seed?

 

yes seed is best, I suppose you can propagate on the fresh growth close at the base in the spring like normal Lupin cuttings but so much easier with the seed

 

Thanks for that. I suppose I should have saved some of the seed

 

have a look around on the floor by the plant has it totally finished flowering ?

 

Yes, maybe a month ago? We removed (and binned) the seed-heads.

 

Have not seen a Lupin tree since I lived in Anglesey 50 years ago but I do remember the heady perfume. Used to proprogate it by seed, Any chance of a few?

 

Just been out and had a look, and it seems I missed two seed pods. Should I remove them or leave them on?

You're certainly welcome to have half of mine

 

Are they ripe , ie pod is drying up and not green or half green pick and leave on the windowsill ? if not leave them on until ready to harvest you will have to check everyday just in case it bursts

 

Still quite green at the moment. I'll keep an eye on them. When should I be looking to sow?

 

so glad you've found them Freddy....
good thinking Batman Spruce...
Jenny

 

I would sow in the spring with lupins , just too tender even to sow this year and keep frost free over winter not worth the risk.

Spruce