Troubleshooting
Lupinus 'The Governor' problems — and how to fix them
Lupinus 'The Governor' (Lupinus 'The Governor') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Lupin aphid
Large grey aphids (Macrosiphum albifrons) infest spikes and weaken plants. Inspect early, dislodge with water or treat promptly; heavy infestations can collapse flower stems.
Powdery mildew
Foliage greys and curls in dry, crowded conditions after flowering. Cut spent spikes, water at the base, and ensure good spacing for air movement.
Crown rot in wet soil
Waterlogged or heavy clay rots the crown. Plant in free-draining ground, avoid winter wet, and never let the base sit in standing water.
Chlorosis on alkaline soil
Yellowing between leaf veins signals lime-induced iron deficiency. Lupins need neutral-to-acid soil; amend chalky ground or grow in raised beds with ericaceous-leaning soil.
Prevent lupinus 'the governor' problems before they start
Most lupinus 'the governor' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for lupinus 'the governor' in general rather than its problems? Read the full lupinus 'the governor' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Lupinus 'The Governor' problems — FAQ
Why is my lupinus 'the governor' lupin aphid?
Large grey aphids (Macrosiphum albifrons) infest spikes and weaken plants. Inspect early, dislodge with water or treat promptly; heavy infestations can collapse flower stems.
Why is my lupinus 'the governor' powdery mildew?
Foliage greys and curls in dry, crowded conditions after flowering. Cut spent spikes, water at the base, and ensure good spacing for air movement.
Why is my lupinus 'the governor' crown rot in wet soil?
Waterlogged or heavy clay rots the crown. Plant in free-draining ground, avoid winter wet, and never let the base sit in standing water.
Why is my lupinus 'the governor' chlorosis on alkaline soil?
Yellowing between leaf veins signals lime-induced iron deficiency. Lupins need neutral-to-acid soil; amend chalky ground or grow in raised beds with ericaceous-leaning soil.