Lathyrus maritimus (Sea pea) — perennial

Overview

Lathyrus maritimus is a perennial in the genus Lathyrus, part of the Q44448 family. Lathyrus maritimus grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include coastal gardens, sand dunes and erosion control. It is native to Northern Hemisphere temperate coastal areas and Argentina.

About

Lathyrus maritimus is a perennial suited to exposed coastal sites, tolerant of dry, sandy ground and alkaline conditions. It prefers full sun and well-drained, neutral to alkaline soils. Pea-like flowers appear from June to August, usually in purple tones. It is often used on sand dunes and coastal banks for erosion control.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lathyrus japonicus

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 maritimus is a perennial legume native to temperate coastal regions of the Northern Hemisphere and parts of Argentina. Its ecology reflects that origin: it establishes on sand and gravel where few other perennials persist and produces summer flowers between June and August. In the UK it is regarded as hardy (H5), so it will withstand typical coastal winters where other sub-tropical species would not. Give it full sun on free-draining, sandy or gritty soil with a neutral to alkaline pH and moderate to low moisture. It tolerates exposed coastal aspects better than plants that require sheltered positions, so place it where wind and salt spray are a regular part of the environment rather than inland, shaded beds. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils. In a planting scheme, Lathyrus maritimus suits coastal gardens, fore-dune belts and stabilising sand on banks. Use it in mixed dune plantings or as a pioneer species on shifting sands where its preference for dry, well-drained coastal situations can be put to practical use for erosion control and dune restoration.