About
A strongly aromatic sweetpea with bicoloured pink and red flowers. The plants grow to about 1m tall and are good in containers. Good for cutting.
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
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Hanging basket, Patio and container plants
FragranceFlower
ToxicityPods and seeds are not edible. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Pods and seeds are not edible. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationPlant out in a sunny, sheltered spot in humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil. position the plants close to the base of their intended support, with two plants at the base of each cane if growing up a wigwam. Keep well-watered throughout the growing season and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser fortnightly. See sweetpea cultivation for further information
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate 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 resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, fusarium wilt, sweetpea viruses