Lathyrus grandiflorus (two-flowered everlasting pea) — herbaceous perennial

Overview

Lathyrus grandiflorus is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Lathyrus, part of the Q44448 family. It typically grows around 2 metres tall. Lathyrus grandiflorus grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is native to S Europe.

About

Lathyrus grandiflorus is a herbaceous perennial that reaches about 2 metres and flowers from June to August. Native to southern Europe, it favours a position in full sun or partial shade and prefers soils that are well drained but remain moist. It is rated H4 (average hardy) and will tolerate normal UK winter conditions. Pods and seeds are not edible; wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling and consult the HTA guide for pet-safety contacts.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lathyrus grandiflorus

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 grandiflorus is a herbaceous perennial from southern Europe that grows to roughly 2 metres and produces its main display in summer, flowering from June to August. Plant it where its summer blooms can be seen above lower-growing plants or at the back of a mixed border to make use of its height. Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and a soil that drains freely yet retains some moisture; the species prefers well-drained, moist conditions rather than very dry or waterlogged ground. It carries an H4 hardiness rating (average hardy) so it will withstand ordinary UK winter conditions without special protection. Use it where a tall summer-flowering presence is useful: against a fence, alongside taller shrubs, or at the rear of perennial beds. Keep soil evenly moist through dry spells until established. Handle seedpods and spent stems with care: pods and seeds are not edible, so wear gloves and other protective equipment when cutting back or removing seed material.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lathyrus

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: well-drained
Soil moisture: moist
UK hardiness: H4

Plant details

Lathyrus grandiflorus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: herbaceous perennial
Height: 2 metres
Native to: S Europe
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 grandiflorus

Propagation: seed, cuttings

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Lathyrus grandiflorus?

Lathyrus grandiflorus prefers full sun and partial shade.

What soil does Lathyrus grandiflorus need?

Lathyrus grandiflorus grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How big does Lathyrus grandiflorus grow?

Lathyrus grandiflorus reaches a height of 2 metres.

Is Lathyrus grandiflorus hardy in the UK?

Lathyrus grandiflorus has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Lathyrus grandiflorus?

Seed, cuttings.

Is Lathyrus grandiflorus 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 →