Lupinus polyphyllus - Large-leaved Lupine is a tall perennial herb with stately spikes of rich blue-violet flowers. The long stiff stems, tightly packed with flowers can reach heights of up to 1.5 m (4 ft). This is the Lupine that many of today's popular garden hybrids were developed from. Flowering begins in mid-spring and can last until mid-summer. Large-leaved Lupine is found in grassy meadows, stream sides, and seepage sites at low elevations throughout western North America, from Alaska to California. In garden setting, Lupines grow best in sun to partial shade, in slightly to moderately acidic soils. Large-leaved Lupine prefers moist but not saturated soils, and cool summers. When in full bloom, large-leaved Lupine dominates most other flowers, and creates a spectacular show of blue-violet colour.