About
An annual climber, up to around 2m high, with curling tendrils and pairs of green leaves. Scented flowers are produced in summer, with dark red upper petals and violet wings.
About the genus
Lathyrus can be annuals or herbaceous or evergreen perennials, mostly climbing, with pinnate leaves ending in a tendril, and showy pea-like flowers, fragrant in some species
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
FragranceFlower
ToxicitySeeds and pods are not edible, ingestion may cause mild stomach upset. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light dappled shade. Provide support and feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks when in growth. See sweetpea cultivation for more detailed advice. This plant was included in the RHS Lathyrus (sweet pea) trial 2022-2023
PruningCut regularly to encourage more flowers; allowing seed pods to form will stop plants from flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed: in milder areas sow during autumn, and overwinter the young plants in a cold frame or unheated glasshouse, or in colder areas sow in late March or April. Plant out when risk of frost has passed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, Fusarium wilt and sweet pea viruses