Overview
Lathyrus odoratus 'Pip's Maroon' is a climbing annual biennial in the genus Lathyrus, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lathyrus odoratus 'Pip's Maroon' 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 odoratus 'Pip's Maroon' 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 with a sheltered aspect, preferring fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil that can be chalk, clay, loam, or sand with a range of pH levels. Suitable for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, as well as containers and hanging baskets, it offers seasonal interest from spring through to autumn. Propagation is typically by seed sown indoors or directly in the soil during spring.
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 odoratus 'Pip's Maroon' 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 odoratus 'Pip's Maroon'
- 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 odoratus 'Pip's Maroon'?
Lathyrus odoratus 'Pip's Maroon' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lathyrus odoratus 'Pip's Maroon' need?
Lathyrus odoratus 'Pip's Maroon' 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 odoratus 'Pip's Maroon' hardy in the UK?
Lathyrus odoratus 'Pip's Maroon' 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 odoratus 'Pip's Maroon'?
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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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