Lathyrus japonicus (beach pea) — Climbing

Overview

Lathyrus japonicus is a climbing annual biennial in the genus Lathyrus, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lathyrus japonicus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, hanging basket and patio and container plants.

About

Lathyrus japonicus, the sea pea, beach pea, circumpolar pea or sea vetchling, is a species of flowering plant in the legume family Fabaceae, native to temperate coastal areas of the Northern Hemisphere, and Argentina. It is a herbaceous perennial growing trailing stems 50–80 cm (20–31 in) long, typically on sand and gravel storm beaches. The leaves are waxy glaucous green, 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 in) long, pinnate, with 2-5 pairs of leaflets, the terminal leaflet usually replaced by a twining tendril. The flowers are broad, with a dark purple standard petal and paler purple wing and keel petals; they are produced in racemes of up to twelve flowers. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is half-hardy and may need winter protection in colder areas (RHS H3). Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, hanging basket and patio and container plants.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lathyrus japonicus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lathyrus

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H3

Plant details

Lathyrus japonicus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Annual Biennial
Habit: Climbing
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Hanging basket, Patio and container plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lathyrus japonicus

Propagation: Propagate by sowing seed in pots or rootrainers in autumn or spring and planting out in April, or sow seed directly into the soil in April. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Pest resistance: May be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails and thrips
Disease resistance: May be susceptible to powdery mildews, fusarium wilt, sweetpea viruses

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Lathyrus japonicus?

Lathyrus japonicus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Lathyrus japonicus need?

Lathyrus japonicus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Lathyrus japonicus hardy in the UK?

Lathyrus japonicus has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Lathyrus japonicus?

Propagate by sowing seed in pots or rootrainers in autumn or spring and planting out in April, or sow seed directly into the soil in April. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice.

More in the Lathyrus genus

Browse all Lathyrus →