....as I have never grown them before.
1. Are they an annual or perennial plant?
2. Can anybody give me names of varieties that are primarily blue or lilic or purple?
Thank you
CC
Lupinus perennis and L. polyphyllus are perennials. L. perennis species is purple/blue and L. polyphyllus is available in a blue variety Gallery Blue. Lupinus hartwegii is an annual and available in a blue variety Blue Spear
Check out Chiltons (http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/chilternseeds/default/d/lupinus/genus/Lupinus/).
They're short-lived perennials, so it's best to plan on replacing them after a couple of years.
Lupinus angustifolius is blue flowered, seed is very cheap because it is often sold for green manure.
There are approximately 10 seeds to a gram so the smallest pack Moles do is 2500 seed for £3.20.
http://www.molesseeds.co.uk/flower_and_vegetable_seed_store_uk/Products_Blue_Lupin_4012.html
Some people find Lupins hard to grow, All said and done they seem to grow for me.
I will put them into 3" pots and allow to grow until they show the roots at the base. They are then moved to the larger pots for finishing off before putting into the border.
Russell hybrids are a good starter if you want to grow lots of colours.