About
This deciduous perennial climber reaching up to 1.2m, with a sprawling or climbing habit that uses tendrils to support itself among surrounding vegetation. It has narrow, spear-shaped leaflets, arranged in pairs, and pinkish-purple flowers up to 2cm wide, characteristic of the pea family, that bloom from July to August.
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 typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClimbing, Trailing
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
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 permanently moist soil in sun or partial shade. May also be grown in very shallow water at pool margins. See Creating wildflower meadows for further advice
PruningNo pruning required, tidy after flowering if necessary
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, Fusarium wilt and sweet pea viruses