Sandy Soil? Native Lupines Standout in The Small House Garden

We are challenged by very lean, Oak Savannah sandy soil at the Small House Homestead. So I have been searching for the perfect native perennial to plant here that can withstand our soil type, harsh southern sun and sometimes long period of drought and heavy winter snow. One day the proverbial light bulb went off when I noticed that many lovely patches of purple lupines flourished along the side of the roadways here. Since the bed I wanted to fill also faced south and was constructed of the same soil as the nearby roadways I realized that lupines were the perfect perennial plant for my site. I started out by testing one flat of Lupines that I purchased at our counties spring plant sale. I always like to “test” a plant before I invest heavily in a type that may or may not like it in my garden. Lupines flower the year after being planted so I planted and waited patiently. I was so please when they came up thick and flashy and added a lot of curb appeal to the front of my home. I plant them in large groups and add rocks and bark chips to those beds for visual interest. Success! Now each year I purchase two flats of perennial lupines from a native plant nursery and add more plants to my collection. Lupines require little or no amending to the soil, they love sand and sun, come back each year and also propagate by seeds blowing in the wind. Because our lupines have become the star of the spring flower show here I plant them near the roadway so that passersby and visitors to my home can be sure to see and enjoy them. Every year is more and more colorful. I am so in love with lupines!