Lupinus polyphyllus Russell’s Mix, commonly called Russell Hybrids, is a perennial garden lupin developed by English horticulturist George Russell in the early 20th century.

You can read about the full story here: Russell Lupines: The Story Behind the Glory of Those Colorful Spires

It is a hybrid of Lupinus polyphyllus (the native North American species) with selective breeding for large flower spikes, bright colors, and long-lasting blooms.

Their popularity soared after they were first exhibited at the Royal Horticultural Society show in 1937, where they wowed gardeners and have remained a staple ever since.

Floral Morphology: Lupin Russell Hybrids Mix

Russell lupins have tall, upright racemes of pea-like flowers, typical of the Fabaceae family.

Each flower is zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetrical) with a banner, wings, and keel, and produces nectar to attract bees and other pollinators.

Flowers can be single-colored, bi-colored, or multicolored, depending on the cultivar, and open from the bottom to the top of the spike over several weeks in late spring to early summer.

Leaves are palmately compound, usually with 7–15 lance-shaped leaflets radiating from a central point, forming a low rosette from which the flower spikes emerge.

Reproductive Biology

Russell hybrids are hermaphroditic and largely cross-pollinated by bees, although self-pollination can occur.

They readily set seed, and while the hybrids may produce viable seeds, seedlings often do not breed true to the parent, so propagation is usually done by division or purchasing named cultivars.

Deadheading spent flower spikes encourages more flowering and keeps the plant tidy, although many gardeners allow some seeds to drop naturally to self-sow in favorable conditions. Mature plants are perennial, typically living 5–7 years, although vigor may decline after several seasons unless divided

Other Names:

Lupin

Tramousses

Origin:

United Kingdom (though originally Lupinus polyphyllus is a North American species)