Lathyrus aureus (perennial golden pea) — perennial

Overview

Lathyrus aureus is a perennial in the genus Lathyrus, part of the Q44448 family. Lathyrus aureus grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and loamy soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and rock gardens. It is native to Greece.

About

Lathyrus aureus, the Perennial Golden Pea, is a perennial pea that flowers in the UK from June to August. It favours full sun or partial shade and performs best in well‑drained, loamy soil of neutral to alkaline pH with moderate moisture. Classified H5 (hardy), it will tolerate normal UK winter conditions. Pods and seeds are not edible; wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lathyrus aureus

About the genus

Lathyrus is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family Fabaceae, and contains approximately 160 species. Commonly known as peavines or vetchlings, they are native to temperate areas, with a breakdown of 52 species in Europe, 30 species in North America, 78 in Asia, 24 in tropical East Africa, and 24 in temperate South America. There are annual and perennial species which may be climbing or bushy.

Wikipedia contributors, "Lathyrus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lathyrus

In the garden

Lathyrus aureus is a perennial member of the Lathyrus genus native to Greece, grown for its summer display. Flowering runs from June to August in the UK, providing colour through early and mid‑summer. The plant suits sites where it can receive strong light for part or all of the day. Plant into a free‑draining loam that leans neutral to alkaline and keep the soil moderately moist rather than waterlogged. Positioning in full sun or a spot with some afternoon shade will support flowering; it is rated H5 (hardy), so it tolerates normal UK winter conditions without special winter protection. Use this perennial in mixed borders and rock gardens where a summer highlight is required; plant in groups or intersperse with low alpine and subshrub species to give the flowering period more impact. Take care when pruning out spent stems and when handling seed pods: pods and seeds are not edible, so wear gloves and other protective equipment when dealing with seed or spent fruit, and consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for pet safety information.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lathyrus

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: well-drained, loamy
Soil pH: neutral, alkaline
Soil moisture: moderate
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Lathyrus aureus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, rock gardens
Native to: Greece
Toxicity: Pods and seeds are not edible. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Pods and seeds are not edible. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lathyrus aureus

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Propagation: Seed, division

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Lathyrus aureus?

Prefers well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Where is the best place to plant Lathyrus aureus?

Lathyrus aureus prefers full sun and partial shade.

What soil does Lathyrus aureus need?

Lathyrus aureus grows best in well-drained and loamy soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.

How do I prune Lathyrus aureus?

Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

Is Lathyrus aureus hardy in the UK?

Lathyrus aureus has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Lathyrus aureus?

Seed, division.

Is Lathyrus aureus toxic?

Pods and seeds are not edible. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Pods and seeds are not edible. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.

More in the Lathyrus genus

Browse all Lathyrus →