I got this plant as a gift and planted it about a month ago. Don't know what it is but it's looking really sad.
It's in a mostly sunny spot and I added fresh garden soil and fertilizer when I planted it.
Anyone know what it is and what to do to save it?

This is how it looked right after planting.

 

Safe to assume it's gotten a lot of water, right?

 

Yep, and with all the rain, I was worried maybe too much?

Here's what it looks like now. No flowers and the tips of the leaves are turning a bit brown. Also looks like it's shrinking! (Grass needs cutting so it's blending in a bit, lol!)

 

I think you're on the right track trying to figure out what it is because you've certainly taken care of the obvious stuff already. No hope of identification from the person who gave it to you?

 

My son gave it to me for Mom's Day but there was no ID thing on it. He doesn't know what it is. He did get it at Lowes, so I could probably stop in with the pic and ask them when I get a chance.

 

You'd like to think something sold locally is at least compatible with the climate.

 

I think it might be purple lupine. I've never grown it but reading online it absolutely doesn't like anything on it's crown as it can cause rot.

 

Looks a bit like our blue salvia, which is growing like gangbusters this year. Very nice addition to the yard, just have to be careful mowing around it because the bees love it. Not sure that's what it is though, so I would take a picture of it to a local nursery and see what they recommend.

 

Thanks guys. In doing a search, I think it is a lupine. I also found them on the Lowes website. The only thing I didn't do that it recommends, is adding mulch. I'll add some and see if that helps. Otherwise, I have no idea what's wrong. I seem to have done everything else right.

 

We bought one of those the spring and after the flower died back then the remaining plant leaves all started to die. We buried it in the compost pile.

 

That's great! Thanks for the encouraging reply, lol! Well if that's the case, I think he still has the receipt. I'm taking it back and exchanging it for something else. They shouldn't be selling crap like that.

 

I don't know if all plants are covered or not but Lowes has a 1 yr warranty on plants and trees. If they die, all you do is bring in the dead plant and receipt and they'll replace it for free.

 

I don't know what you are expecting, they don't bloom all year. Once their stalks are done blooming they are done and put energy into producing seed. By dead heading (cutting off) the flower stalks you can give the plant more energy to use.

The yellowing tips could be due to soil with poor drainage and root rot, and maybe the location could be too hot for it... a combination that could lead to root rot. I suspect the soil is too rich, and could use some sand mixed in with the soil to promote better drainage. Lupine have a long taproot so the soil preparation would need to be deep. Plus, hard telling the soil type or ph as you go deeper unless you have it tested. They prefer acidic to neutral soil.

Flowers are broadleafs and don't like lawn chemicals... but it doesn't look like the lawn gets treated.

 

I was almost shocked when you didn't know what the plant was, MN has them every where, at least up north where I live. I think they're really pretty - if you can get it to grow.


https://bestnorthshore.com/a-little-bit-about-lupines/

 

Well I wasn't expecting it to start dying! Even if it doesn't bloom year round, it shouldn't start looking the way it looks after a few weeks, I don't think.
It's in a back yard and I'm not a chemical fan of the outdoors. Would rather have some weeds.
Not sure how rich it is. There's lots of rocks in the soil in my area.
Any rate, I guess I'll give it a chance and see if it improves and if not, oh well.

Baldwin, nope, never heard of them. I can't say I've ever seen them around before. Maybe they're not that common in my area.

 

Yeah, that looks like the large leaf variety with pointed leaves which is north of you. If it makes you feel better I've read today where others have tried planting it without much success. I'd cut back on the water for sure.

If you'd like I can send you a few sprouts of my Japanese Knotwood. With this cool, wet weather it is really going. j/k