Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
'Shirley Anne'
lupin
Lupinus 'Shirley Anne' lights up the garden with its tall, elegant spires of pink to purple blooms. The densely packed flowers have a delicate, pastel tone, adding a gentle charm to any planting scheme. Supported by the plant’s attractive, deep green palmate leaves, these floral spikes make a striking vertical statement while softening the overall look with their subtle colouring.
Lupinus 'Shirley Anne' thrives in sunny or partially shaded positions and prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. It’s ideal for the middle or back of borders, where its soft pink flowers create a beautiful focal point. Prepare the soil well with organic matter to ensure optimal growth and drainage. This variety is especially suited to traditional cottage gardens but will also bring a touch of elegance to more contemporary settings. Combining with other plants.
The soft pink tones of Lupinus 'Shirley Anne' make it an excellent companion for other pastel-coloured perennials, such as pale peonies, campanulas, or soft blue delphiniums. For a romantic look, combine with white roses or lavender for a serene, harmonious palette. Its soft colour also pairs well with silver-foliaged ornamental grasses, providing a contrast that enhances its gentle beauty. Lupinus 'Shirley Anne' is a wonderful addition to any wildlife-friendly garden, as it is highly attractive to bees and butterflies. Its nectar-rich flowers provide essential food for these pollinators throughout the summer months. This hardy variety is a reliable performer, returning year after year and naturalising over time to create impressive clumps. Its deep root system also helps to improve soil structure, making it both a beautiful and practical addition to the garden.
While traditionally grown in borders, Lupinus 'Shirley Anne' can also thrive in large containers. Select a deep pot with good drainage, and place it in a sunny spot to enjoy its soft pink blooms up close. Regular watering and feeding will keep the plant healthy and ensure a long-lasting display. Perfect for adding height and elegance to patios or terraces, it creates a focal point that can be enjoyed throughout the summer.
Lupinus 'Shirley Anne' brings a gentle, timeless beauty to the garden. Its soft pink blooms, pollinator-friendly nature, and reliable performance make it a must-have for borders and containers alike.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Lupinus 'Shirley Anne'
- Flower colour
- Pink, purple
- Established height
- 70cm-1.2m
- Established spread
- 50cm-1m
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 5 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Wildlife gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.