Lupinus perennis, Sundial Lupine Seed Balls

Sundial Lupine (also known as Wild Blue Lupine) is a US native wildflower offers a spike of beautiful blue pea-like flowers, the banner petals sporting a white accent. The leaves are a silver-green, and serve as food for several species of butterfly caterpillar. Wild Blue Lupine is the exclusive host of the endangered Karner Blue butterfly caterpillar. The plant is in decline in its native range, although it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It favors sandy soil and enriches the soil with nitrogen. Late Fall through Spring is a good time to plant these seed balls. Plant throughout the Fall and Winter, or in the Spring, after the danger of frost has passed. Plants begin to bloom the second and third years. Ecology Host Plant to Butterfly caterpillar species Zone 3-10 Eastern US Full Sun Upland Threatened Duration: Perennial Sow: Fall through Mid Winter A note about seed balls: Seed balls, also known as seed bombs, protect the seeds from erosion, foraging, and many other facto