Overview
Lathyrus nervosus is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Lathyrus, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Lathyrus nervosus grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include rock garden, underplanting of roses and shrubs and flower borders and beds.
About
Lathyrus nervosus, commonly known as Lord Anson's blue pea, is a deciduous climbing shrub in the Fabaceae family. It grows to a height of 2.5 to 4 metres with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full height within 2 to 5 years. This climber thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring west- or south-facing, sheltered aspects. It adapts well to a range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with soil pH from acid to alkaline, provided the soil is moist but well-drained or well-drained. It is of interest during summer and winter seasons.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lathyrus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Lathyrus nervosus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lathyrus nervosus
- Propagation
- Division in early spring, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Fusarium wilt, Sweet pea viruses
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lathyrus nervosus?
Lathyrus nervosus prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lathyrus nervosus need?
Lathyrus nervosus 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 to well-drained.
How big does Lathyrus nervosus grow?
Lathyrus nervosus reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Lathyrus nervosus hardy in the UK?
Lathyrus nervosus has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Lathyrus nervosus?
Division in early spring, Seed.
More in the Lathyrus genus
- Lathyrus odoratus 'Phyllis Elizabeth'Sweet Pea
- Lathyrus odoratus var. nanellus 'Lady T Cherub' (Cherub Series)Sweet Pea
- lathyrus chloranthus