Lupines (Lupinus species) are popular garden perennials recognized for their tall, spire-like flower stalks and distinctive palmate foliage. These striking blooms typically appear in late spring and early summer, adding vertical color to garden beds. The practice of deadheading involves the removal of spent or faded flowers from a plant. This action is often recommended to maintain a plant’s appearance and promote further flowering. The question for many gardeners is whether this technique is warranted for lupines to maximize their display.
The Primary Benefits of Deadheading
Removing the faded flower spikes is a highly effective way to encourage a lupine to produce a second flush of blooms. When the initial flower fades, the plant’s biological imperative is to shift its resources into producing seed pods to ensure the next generation. This process requires a substantial investment of energy that is then diverted away from vegetative growth and flower development.
By manually removing the spent flower spike, the gardener intercepts this natural sequence. This action signals to the plant that reproduction has not yet been successful, thereby prompting it to redirect its stored energy and nutrients back toward creating new flower spikes. This energy redirection supports the formation of lateral buds, leading to new, albeit sometimes smaller, flower stalks extending the bloom period further into the summer months.
Deadheading also contributes to the long-term health of the lupine. Preventing seed production allows the plant to focus its energy on strengthening its root system and maintaining healthy foliage. A strong root system helps the lupine survive the winter and return more vigorously the following year. Furthermore, the removal of browning, decaying flower material prevents a messy appearance in the garden bed and can reduce the risk of disease or pest issues.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deadheading
Timing is key, and deadheading is ideally performed as soon as the main flower spike has lost its vibrancy or the lower flowers begin to form obvious seed pods. Identify the spent flower spike, which will appear withered, brown, or feature small, furry green or brown pods. Look for these signs before the pods fully dry and open, which is when seeds are released.
To promote the most successful rebloom, you will need a sharp, clean cutting tool to make a clean cut. Follow the spent flower stalk down to the main stem. The cut should be made just above the highest set of healthy, full leaves or a developing lateral flower bud. Cutting here ensures that the remaining stem section is minimal, which improves the plant’s appearance and directs the growth hormone to the desired new growth point.
Making the cut at a slight angle can help prevent water from pooling on the remaining stem, reducing rot and disease. Once the main spike is removed, the plant is free to channel resources toward the nearby lateral buds, stimulating the production of a secondary bloom. Regular monitoring and removal of faded spikes throughout the early summer will maximize the chance of extending the flowering season.
Managing Self-Seeding
The decision to deadhead is a choice between encouraging rebloom and allowing natural propagation. If the spent flower stalks are left, the developing seed pods will mature, dry out, and scatter seeds. Allowing this natural process to occur can lead to new lupine plants the following season.
A significant consequence of self-seeding is that the offspring may not resemble the parent plant. Hybrid lupines, such as the popular Russell Hybrids, often do not “come true” from seed. This uncontrolled spread can also lead to overcrowding, which may stunt the growth of existing plants and require labor-intensive thinning.
Gardeners who wish to maintain specific colors should consistently deadhead all spent spikes to prevent seed dispersal. Conversely, if the goal is to naturally populate a meadow or wild area with lupines, leaving the final few flower stalks to develop and drop their seeds can be beneficial.