About
Red Pearl' is a vigorous climbing perennial to 2m or more, with winged stems and leaves made up of one pair of oblong-elliptic leaflets, and two broad stipules. Magenta-red flowers are produced in racemes of 6-11 flowers from summer to early autumn.
About the genus
Lathyrus 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
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
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
CultivationCan be grown as a climber or allowed to scramble over banks and slopes. It copes with sun or partial shade in fertile, well drained soil. See sweetpea cultivation for further information
PruningCut back to ground level in autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, Fusarium wilt and sweet pea viruses