Lathyrus montanus — Climbing

Overview

Lathyrus montanus is a climbing annual biennial in the genus Lathyrus, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lathyrus montanus 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 linifolius is a species of pea, commonly called bitter vetch or heath pea. The name bitter vetch is also sometimes used for Vicia ervilia and also for Vicia orobus. The tubers of L. linifolius were formerly used as an appetite suppressant in medieval Scotland, and this use has brought the plant to recent medical attention. In the wild it grows across Afghanistan, Alabama, Alaska, Albania, Alberta and other regions. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is half-hardy and may need winter protection in colder areas (RHS H3). It works well for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, hanging basket and patio and container plants. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lathyrus linifolius

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 montanus 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 montanus

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 montanus?

Lathyrus montanus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Lathyrus montanus need?

Lathyrus montanus 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 montanus hardy in the UK?

Lathyrus montanus 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 montanus?

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 →