Overview
Lathyrus occidentalis subsp. occidentalis is a climbing annual biennial in the genus Lathyrus, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lathyrus occidentalis subsp. occidentalis 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 occidentalis subsp. occidentalis is a climbing annual or biennial cultivar within the Lathyrus genus, known for its pinnate leaves ending in tendrils and pea-like flowers. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun and prefers sheltered positions with fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil, suitable for a range of soil types and pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H3, it is ideal for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal settings, as well as containers and hanging baskets. Its season of interest spans spring through autumn, offering extended garden appeal.
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
- 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 occidentalis subsp. occidentalis 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 occidentalis subsp. occidentalis
- 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 occidentalis subsp. occidentalis?
Lathyrus occidentalis subsp. occidentalis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lathyrus occidentalis subsp. occidentalis need?
Lathyrus occidentalis subsp. occidentalis 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 occidentalis subsp. occidentalis hardy in the UK?
Lathyrus occidentalis subsp. occidentalis 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 occidentalis subsp. occidentalis?
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.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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- 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.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Lathyrus genus
- Lathyrus aureusperennial golden pea
- Lathyrus grandiflorustwo-flowered everlasting pea
- Lathyrus latifoliusbroad-leaved everlasting pea
- Lathyrus latifolius 'Rose Queen'Rose Queen 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