Lupines and calla lilies

Anyone had success with lupine in NC...I have several starting from seed. They are one of my favorite flowers

Also, what about calla lilies? Are they perennial here?

(I just moved to NC from NY).

Callas are perennial here, they've done quite well here and seem really adaptable

Lupines, I'm not sure about. I've not heard very encouraging info from others (the heat here is very intense for them), but I have also started some seeds and still hope they do well...I may try some gravel to mulch them with to try and keep them cooler.

good luck!

I had pretty good luck winter sowing Texas lupines one year, but they would have lasted longer if I had sowed the seeds in the fall.

I've read where Tony Avent of Plant Delights calls Baptisia "redneck lupines."

Still, it will be very interesting to hear about how your seeds do, if you don't mind sharing~

Thanks for your replies. For sure I am starting calla lilies here. I've been told they can be perennial in New York, near Kingston, so I guessed they would be ok here in NC. I saw them growing wild (they are native there) on the roadside in South Africa....a sight to behold.

the lupine experiment is just that. Mine are all coming up vigorously in my indoors seeding. I'm trying a few in my winter sowing box as well. I understand they don't like to be disturbed so will put them straight outside as soon as the temps go up. Good idea to mulch them with gravel.. I'll try that.

Sawpalm: There is a form of yellow lupin called Carolina lupin, which I'm sure is a native baptisia, but I have WS'd some of those seeds. Will let you know how they do. I love lupines and have tried them both here and in the mountains where I thought they'd do better, but it's just too hot. They don't make it.

My lupine seeds did great; then, I went away and my husband forgot to water them. They germinated really quickly. I also found transplants at a local seed store and they were beautiful. First time I've ever seen lupine transplants for sale. Will let you know how they do. Am going to try seeds again.