A genus of some 200 species native to Europe, the Americas, and North Africa. The cultivated varieties require lots of moisture, full sun, and protection from hot summer winds but do not, repeat not, need the English climate to prosper. Most are easily grown in moderately rich, well-drained, acid soil.

The Russell hybrids are legendary. They were developed by George Russell of Yorkshire, who, as a railroad guard at a quiet crossing, worked out their great flowers, now grown all over the world in temperate climates. The flower spikes are 10-12in long, on stems that can reach 30in tall. If grown in an exposed area, stems may benefit from staking. The blooms come in all the best Lupine colors, including pink, purple, red, white, and yellow. Plants look best in bold groups. Difficult in areas where summer nights remain extremely hot. Makes an excellent winter annual in the Deep South.