'minarette' are described and sold as annuals,not perennials, and Lupin varieties certainly do range from annual to perennial and shrub - the only way you'll know for sure is to grow them and see if they make it through to the following year.

That's interesting Bamboo as I have been told they are hardy in most of Britian unless there is a severe winter. I also have some freebie ones [thank you eldest brother Ed]

I have potted mine up into 1litre pots and they are in the cold frame to harden off as these will probably have been grown under glass. in a month or so I will plant them out. we shall see how they do.

Thankyou Bamboo and SBG. I'll pot them up and harden them off gradually.

And look out for slugs, its treats time for them.

I too had these free lupins and they are growing well in small pots in my greenhouse. I suspect they will be annuals and I will treat them as such. I doubt if I will keep them in over next winter. We shall see how they do over the summer. Lupins, I have found, attract blackfly so may spray them once with washing up water. I have found that to be effective.

Good point Stera. They are pretty active at the moment since the weather warmed up. Little devils have been at my salvia cuttings.
Johnp, I expected them to be annuals and I agree about the blackfly. Thanks for reminding me about the soapy water remedy.

Don't forget lupins self-seed pretty well if you can get them to flower plentifully. It's those juicy, tender bits that the aphids love that the flowers open on though...

I didn't realise that Darren. I've always taken the seed pods off the perennial ones but I'll leave them on these annuals and live in hope.

I hate using chemicals but sometimes I suppose it is necessary. I have found soapy washing up water good if you spray BEFORE any blackfly appear. It has worked for me in the past.