Overview
Lathyrus grandiflorus is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Lathyrus, part of the Fabaceae 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 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.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Lathyrus genus
- Lathyrus aureusperennial golden pea
- Lathyrus latifoliusbroad-leaved everlasting pea
- Lathyrus latifolius 'Rose Queen'Rose Queen Everlasting Pea
- Lathyrus maritimusSea pea
- Lathyrus odoratus 'Phyllis Elizabeth'Sweet Pea
- Lathyrus rotundifoliusPersian everlasting pea
- Lathyrus latifolius albus or albiflorus or 'White Pearl'White Everlasting Pea
- Lathyrus odoratus var. nanellus 'Lady T Cherub' (Cherub Series)Sweet Pea