Although lupins have been grown for centuries, the much loved sturdy varieties which we now have in our perennial flower gardens, were only created in the 1930's.
George Russell, worked on the blue lupin from North America, crossing it with tree lupins and annual species. He weeded out the weaker and duller plants, until he began producing bigger flower spikes and richer colours. These eventually became known as the Russell lupins., that we now have in our perennial flower gardens.
Because he disliked interference and was a recluse, George Russell kept his records to himself. It was only when he was in his late 70's, that he reluctantly passed on his secrets. Russell only agreed to this, when James Baker, the nurseryman in question, promised that Russell could carry on weeding out the rogue seedlings. This he continued to do, until his death in 1951, aged 94.
After James Baker's retirement, just a handful of dedicated nurserymen have improved the Russell lupins still further. For today's modern taste in perennial flowers, hybrids are being bred with more subtle single colours and stronger bi-colours.
Among these new perennial flower colours are pastel apricot and lemon ice, pink tinged with white and purple-black black and yellow standards. Although these perennial flowers will not produce the same flowers from seed, they can be raised from cuttings, unless protected by plant breeders' rights.
If you would like more information on growing and looking after perennial plants, or other gardening advice, take a look at: Perennial Flower Garden Ideas
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