Lupins

Two lupins in the border next to each other, one is thriving the other yellowing and small.  They're nothing special, I can't remember what colour but probably bog standard mauve/ blue. What can I do to strengthen the poorly one. Soil is alkaline and reasonably free draining although it is soggy with all the 4ain.

Don't lupins prefer slightly acid soil? Maybe add a little ericaceous compost?

I think lupins are often short lived and some dont thrive as well as the others. You can take basal cuttings from the outside if the plants and grow on. I refresh mine by sowing a few new ones every year. I am on clay so that may be the reason.

I've grown a few this year from SC's seed swap lupin seeds so I've got a replacement. Boss you're right they don't care for alkaline soils, although I'm stumped why one is thriving. I will see if I can take cuttings. Thanks all.

I've grown a few this year from SC's seed swap lupin seeds so I've got a replacement. Boss you're right they don't care for alkaline soils, although I'm stumped why one is thriving. I will see if I can take cuttings. Thanks all.

I posted some photos of mine on my flower patch thread.... all sown at the same time from SCs seeds... some are huge, some tiny and some have completely disappeared

Mine have all got aphids. Biggest ones I’ve ever seen

Mine have all got aphids. Biggest ones I’ve ever seen

I think  they're special lupin aphids, big buggers aren't  they

Too true!

Do lupins need cutting down to the ground when they’ve finished flowering or even a little later in the year? Some of mine are not looking good. Others (planted much later) are still flowering and looking quite happy.