About
Lathyrus grandiflorus, the two-flowered everlasting pea, is a vigorous, spreading, herbaceous perennial climber to 1.5 m with winged stems, mid-green leaflets and paired, large, pink-purple flowers in summer. A rewarding and ornamental everlasting pea that spreads by suckers � best planted where it can ramble freely.
About the genus
Lathyrus, the peas and vetches, can be annuals or herbaceous or evergreen perennials, mostly climbing, with pinnate leaves ending in a tendril and showy, pea-like flowers, fragrant in some species. Popular cottage-garden climbers and border plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing, Suckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toS Europe
ToxicityPods 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
CultivationBest allowed to scramble through shrubs or over banks and slopes. Can be grown in sun or partial shade in fertile well-drained soil. It has tendency to run, particularly on light sandy soils. See sweetpea cultivation for further information
PruningCut back to ground level in autumn
PropagationIt seldom produces seeds. Propagate by division from suckers in early spring.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, Fusarium wilt and sweet pea viruses