Overview

Lathyrus latifolius 'Rose Queen' is a perennial in the genus Lathyrus, part of the Fabaceae family. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall. Lathyrus latifolius 'Rose Queen' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, trellises and fences. It is native to 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

A European native, Lathyrus latifolius 'Rose Queen' is a herbaceous perennial in the pea family grown for summer flowers and a mild fragrance. Plants are typically used where height and vertical cover are needed; once established they can be trained onto trellises and fences or planted at the back of mixed borders to reach roughly 2.0 m. Site it in full sun and choose a soil that drains well — the cultivar performs in sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they remain moist but not waterlogged. It is fully hardy (H7) in the UK and also commonly grown in USDA zones 5–9; winter protection is rarely required in most British gardens. Water through dry spells in the first season to help roots establish, then reduce frequency as the plant matures. Flowering runs from June to August, producing a succession of mildly fragrant blooms that sit above the foliage and make it useful where scent and summer colour are wanted on vertical structures. Position plants so the flower display can be appreciated at eye level on a trellis or along a fence line.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lathyrus

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil moisture

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

Exposure

Full sun

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Lathyrus latifolius 'Rose Queen' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial

Height

2.0 m

Suggested uses

Borders, Trellises, Fences

Native to

Europe

Fragrance

Mildly fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lathyrus latifolius 'Rose Queen'

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained soil; supports climbing with trellis or fence; drought tolerant once established

Pruning

Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth

Propagation

Seed, Division

Frequently asked questions

From the Fenn Plants journal

• A June Garden, in Three PalettesThree plant palettes for a British June — roses underplanted, a garden of spires, and oriental poppies while they last. Fenn Plants' guide to the early-summer garden.
• 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.

More in the Lathyrus genus

• 
  Lathyrus aureusperennial golden pea
• 
  Lathyrus grandiflorustwo-flowered everlasting pea
• 
  Lathyrus latifoliusbroad-leaved 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