About
Compact, dwarf, bushy sweet pea 20-40cm tall, with conspicuous racemes of 3-6 aromatic, wavy-edged rose-pink flowers edged and splashed white.
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, Loam, Sand, Clay
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy, Matforming, Trailing
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Hanging basket, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
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
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light dappled shade. Incorporate well-rotted organic manure before planting and apply a general liquid fertiliser every two weeks when in growth. See sweetpea cultivation for further information
PruningFor a long and regular supply of blooms, cut flowers frequently, before they produce seed pods
PropagationPropagate by seed in a cold frame or greenhouse in early autumn or early spring or in-situ in mid-spring. 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 and sweet pea viruses