[Henry]

Hi
I planted some lovely Lupins to cheer things up but unfortunately aphids have run riot over them besides lady birds what pesticide could I use to rid myself of these rotters?

[allotmentann]

These are probably not licensed for use in the UK, so you probably wouldn't want to try them
http://organicgardening.about.com/od/pestcontrol/a/spraysforaphids.htm

[fatcat1955]

The cheapest and best method by far is to use your finger's. If you are squeamish, wear a glove.

[Sideshoot]

I use provado, seems to work for me. The othe big problem with lupins is the mildew, you may need to spray for that too.
Heres a photo of one of mine this year, over 35 spikes of one plant....wondered if this was a record ?

[mumofstig]

They look lovely 

[allotmentann]

What a pretty front garden. I hope my lupins look as beautiful as yours next year

[GYO Girl]

Oooh they're lovely Sideshoot, I'm very jealous.  I gave up growing lupins about 3 years ago because every year they just got ravaged by aphids, but I got a free packet of lupin seeds this year and it would have been rude not to sow them  . 

Will try provado, if they do half as well as yours I'll be happy!

[Henry]

Thank you for the info very helpful one other question do I trim them back at all?

[Yorkie]

I *think* you cut the flower spike down to ground level once it's finished flowering.  Not sure about the leaves - mine died down naturally over winter but perhaps you should be a bit more proactive (it's only my second season with them!)

[Sideshoot]

when they start to look untidy i pruned them right back, looking like a hedgehog.
Provado does do the trick, also i fed and watered mine well, during the growing season. Also a sunny position helps a great deal.

[Henry]

Thank you and I hope to post a picture next year with them looking as good as sideshoots