Lathyrus odoratus 'Southwood Trifle' — Climbing, Scrambling, Clump-forming

Overview

Lathyrus odoratus 'Southwood Trifle' is a climbing, scrambling, clump-forming annual biennial in the genus Lathyrus, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lathyrus odoratus 'Southwood Trifle' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include climbers, wall side borders, banks and slopes, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, city and courtyard gardens and coastal.

About

Lathyrus odoratus 'Southwood Trifle' is a cultivar of the Lathyrus genus, which includes annuals and biennials known for their climbing or scrambling habit and pinnate leaves ending in tendrils. This cultivar is a deciduous climber that thrives in fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil under full sun or partial shade, favouring south- or west-facing aspects. It is suitable for various garden settings, including walls, banks, and informal or wildlife gardens, and is hardy to UK zone H7. 'Southwood Trifle' flowers in spring, summer, and autumn, adding seasonal interest to the garden.

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: Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Lathyrus odoratus 'Southwood Trifle' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Annual Biennial
Habit: Climbing, Scrambling, Clump-forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Climbers, Wall side borders, Banks and slopes, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lathyrus odoratus 'Southwood Trifle'

Propagation: Seed, Division
Pest resistance: Aphids, Slugs, Snails
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew, Fusarium wilt, Sweet pea viruses

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Lathyrus odoratus 'Southwood Trifle'?

Lathyrus odoratus 'Southwood Trifle' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Lathyrus odoratus 'Southwood Trifle' need?

Lathyrus odoratus 'Southwood Trifle' grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Lathyrus odoratus 'Southwood Trifle' hardy in the UK?

Lathyrus odoratus 'Southwood Trifle' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.