Lupinus albifrons, Silver Bush Lupine

The evergreen silver lupine provides year-round interest in the garden. A member of the pea family, it has attractive silver-green leaves and in the spring it boasts large flower spikes that range in color from pale blue to deep purple. The blooms are attractive to pollinators, especially bees. It is one of the host plants for the Mission Blue butterfly

This stunning shrub prefers dry, sandy, well-drained soil in full sun. No need to add compost; silver lupines do best in nutrient-poor soil. It will get 4 to 6 ft high in garden settings. Limit summer water and give it little to no summer water once established. Will not persist in heavy soils or clay, or if overwatered, but does well in the right conditions. A good choice for dry slopes.

Silver Bush Lupine (Lupinus albifrons) is more versatile than Blue Bush Lupine (Lupinus arboreus blue form) as it can take hotter and drier conditions but can be short lived, especially if overwatered.