LUPINUS WC Rachel de Thame

Lupinus 'Rachel de Thame' Care Guide

Introduction:

Lupinus 'Rachel de Thame' is a stunning perennial plant known for its vibrant spikes of colorful flowers and attractive palmate foliage. This cultivar, named after the renowned British gardener and television presenter Rachel de Thame, is prized for its compact growth habit and abundant blooms, making it a popular choice for garden borders, cottage gardens, and mixed perennial beds. Below is a comprehensive care guide to help you cultivate and care for Lupinus 'Rachel de Thame' in your garden:

1. Sunlight:

• Full Sun to Partial Shade: Plant Lupinus 'Rachel de Thame' in a location that receives full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade, especially in regions with hot summers.

2. Soil:

• Well-Draining Soil: Choose a well-draining soil with a loamy or sandy texture. Lupinus 'Rachel de Thame' prefers soil that is fertile, moist, and rich in organic matter. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.

3. Watering:

• Regular Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the active growing season and dry spells. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as Lupinus 'Rachel de Thame' is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soil.

4. Mulching:

• Mulch Application: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, around the base of the plant to conserve moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. Mulching also helps to maintain soil moisture levels and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations.

5. Fertilizing:

• Moderate Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer to Lupinus 'Rachel de Thame' in early spring, just as new growth emerges. Repeat the fertilizer application once or twice during the growing season to promote healthy foliage and abundant flowering. Avoid over-fertilization, as excessive nutrients can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers.

6. Pruning:

• Deadheading: Remove spent flower spikes regularly to prolong the blooming period and encourage continuous flowering. Cut the flower spikes back to the base of the plant once the blooms have faded. Deadheading also prevents self-seeding and helps maintain the plant's appearance.

7. Support:

• Staking: Provide support for tall flower spikes, especially in exposed or windy locations. Install stakes or use a plant support ring to prevent the stems from bending or breaking under the weight of the flowers.

8. Pest and Disease Management:

• Watch for Pests: Monitor the plant regularly for common garden pests such as aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Treat any pest infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Prevent Diseases: Ensure good air circulation around the plant to reduce the risk of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. Avoid overhead watering and overcrowding, and remove any diseased foliage promptly.

9. Winter Care:

• Cold Hardy: Lupinus 'Rachel de Thame' is generally cold-hardy and can withstand freezing temperatures. In regions with harsh winters, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to insulate the roots and protect them from frost damage.

10. Propagation:

• Seed Propagation: Collect seeds from mature seed pods in late summer or early fall. Sow the seeds in a prepared seedbed or individual pots filled with well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light until the seedlings are established.

By following these care guidelines, you can cultivate healthy and vibrant Lupinus 'Rachel de Thame' plants that will enhance the beauty of your garden with their spectacular flowers and lush foliage. With minimal maintenance requirements, 'Rachel de Thame' lupines are sure to become a cherished addition to your outdoor space

• Size
  2 Litre

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.
 

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