LUPINUS King Canute

Description and Characteristics

Lupinus 'King Canute' is a stately, traditional tall-growing lupin variety known for its rich indigo to royal blue flower spikes with soft white accents on the upper petals (standards). This cultivar produces large, upright spires of densely packed pea-like flowers on strong stems, rising well above a mound of deeply cut, palmate green foliage.

It belongs to the group of Russell hybrid lupins, famed for their garden reliability, impressive size, and strong visual impact. 'King Canute' blooms in late spring to early summer, typically from May to June, with the potential for a second flush if deadheaded promptly. Its bold colour, height (up to 90–120 cm), and vertical form make it a popular choice for cottage gardens, herbaceous borders, and wildlife plantings.

• Tall, dramatic flower spikes in deep blue with white flecks

• Lush mounding base of rich green, divided leaves

• Flowering season: late May to early July

• Height: 90–120 cm; Spread: 40–50 cm

• Ideal for mixed borders, back-of-border planting, and pollinator gardens

• Excellent bee and butterfly plant

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Lupinus 'King Canute' is easy to grow under the right conditions. It prefers sunny, well-drained locations, and benefits from deadheading, light feeding, and proper air circulation to maintain plant health and maximise flowering.

• Light Requirements:

  • Performs best in full sun

  • Can tolerate light shade, but may flower less profusely

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers light, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils

  • Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged ground

  • Enrich poor soil with organic matter prior to planting

• Watering Needs:

  • Water well during dry spells, especially in the first growing season

  • Once established, lupins are moderately drought-tolerant

  • Do not overwater; avoid letting roots sit in water

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertiliser in spring to support flowering

  • Overfeeding (especially nitrogen) can lead to excess foliage and fewer flowers

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Remove spent flower spikes promptly to encourage rebloom and prevent self-seeding

  • Cut flower stalks back to the base once blooming is complete

  • Leave basal foliage until it dies back naturally in autumn

• Support:

  • Tall stems may require staking in exposed or windy locations

  • Plant in groups for natural mutual support and better visual impact

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Longevity

‘King Canute’ offers height, drama, and colour for classic English borders and wildlife-friendly gardens. Its tall spires provide vertical interest and structure, making it ideal for layered plantings.

• Design Uses:

  • Excellent for back-of-border planting, cottage gardens, and cut flower beds

  • Ideal as a vertical accent or in mixed perennial plantings

  • Works well in drifts or clusters for massed colour impact

• Companion Plants:

  • Combines beautifully with delphiniums, foxgloves, phlox, salvia, and geum

  • Contrasts well with soft grasses and plants with rounded flower heads like alliums or astrantia

  • Complements both pastel and bold-coloured neighbours in mixed borders

• Pollinator Support:

  • Highly attractive to bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • An important nectar source in early summer

• Propagation and Lifespan:

  • Short-lived perennial (typically 3–5 years); replant or propagate regularly

  • Can be grown from seed (note: colour may not come true)

  • Basal cuttings in early spring can produce genetically identical plants

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Susceptible to aphids (especially lupin aphid) and slugs/snails

  • Ensure good airflow to prevent powdery mildew and leaf spot

  • Use organic sprays or encourage beneficial insects to manage aphid outbreaks

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.