Lupinus obtusilobus Plant Care

Lupinus obtusilobus A.Heller

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Lupinus obtusilobus is a species of lupine also known by the common names bluntlobe lupine and satin lupine. It is native to high mountains of northern California, including the North Coast Ranges, the Klamath Mountains, and the northernmost Sierra Nevada.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs🌼Perennials🍃Climbers & Vines
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–80°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Lupinus obtusilobus?

Water Lupinus obtusilobus every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Lupinus obtusilobus Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Lupinus obtusilobus?

Lupinus obtusilobus (Lupinus obtusilobus) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Lupinus genus. Lupinus obtusilobus is native to high mountains of northern California, including the North Coast Ranges, the Klamath Mountains, and the northernmost Sierra Nevada.

Lupinus obtusilobus displays an upright, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Lupinus obtusilobus produces showy spikes of pea-like flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Lupinus obtusilobus?

Lupinus obtusilobus requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Lupinus obtusilobus Need?

Lupinus obtusilobus thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lupinus obtusilobus Prefer?

Lupinus obtusilobus grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Lupinus obtusilobus prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

50–80°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lupinus obtusilobus?

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Lupinus obtusilobus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Lupinus obtusilobus?

Feed Lupinus obtusilobus every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

How Do You Repot a Lupinus obtusilobus?

Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Lupinus obtusilobus?

Lupinus obtusilobus can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lupine plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Lupinus obtusilobus Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Lupinus obtusilobus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Lupinus obtusilobus?

Lupinus obtusilobus is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Lupinus obtusilobus Need?

Lupinus obtusilobus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Lupinus obtusilobus is native to high mountains of northern California, including the North Coast Ranges, the Klamath Mountains, and the northernmost Sierra Nevada. In cooler regions, grow Lupinus obtusilobus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Lupinus obtusilobus is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Lupinus genus — compare its care with other Lupinus species on PlantoScan.

Lupinus is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.

Lupinus obtusilobus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Lupinus Species

Other Lupinus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Lupinus obtusilobus A.Heller, family Fabaceae (first published in Muhlenbergia 8: 115 (1912)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Lupinus obtusilobus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

PlantoScan app icon

Identify Plants Like the
Lupinus obtusilobus Instantly

Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Free

to download

iOS & Android

platforms

Light & dark

mode

100,000+

species