[5] The polyphyllus variety in particular make up a great number of the hybrids which are generally grown as garden lupines, which can vary dramatically in colours.

[6] There are five varieties: The species epithet polyphyllus means "many-leaved", from Ancient Greek πολύς (polús) "many" and φύλλον (phúllon) "leaf".

He spent two decades single-handedly trying to breed the perfect lupin, crossing L. polyphyllus with L. arboreus, L. sulphureus and one or more annual species (maybe L. nootkatensis).

Over the decades, the plants he selected developed flower spikes that were denser, larger, and more colourful than the original Lupinus polyphyllus.

It is understood the pair worked together for several years to perfect the Russell Hybrid, before they were displayed at the Royal Horticultural Society's June show in 1937, where their brightly coloured, tightly packed spires won awards.

Russell disliked the blue colours, as they reflected too closely the original plants imported from America almost a 100 years previously.

To avoid restoration of alkaloid synthesis in cross-pollinated species of lupine, a new approach has been developed on the basis of specific crossing.

[3] In New Zealand, where it is known as the Russell lupin, Lupinus polyphyllus is classed as an invasive species[16][17] and covers large areas next to roadsides, pastures and riverbeds, especially in the Canterbury region.

It is documented as being first naturalised in 1958 and it has been suggested that tour bus drivers deliberately spread seeds of the plant to promote colourful roadside vegetation in areas which some tourists may consider to be rather drab.

[17] It is also classed as an invasive species in Sweden, Norway,[18] Switzerland, Argentina, the Czech Republic, Finland, Lithuania, and Ukraine.