Lathyrus rotundifolius (Persian everlasting pea) — perennial climber

Overview

Lathyrus rotundifolius is a perennial climber in the genus Lathyrus, part of the Q44448 family. It typically grows around 1.5 metres tall. Lathyrus rotundifolius grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils. Suggested uses include climbing plant for trellises and fences. It is native to Turkey.

About

Lathyrus rotundifolius is a perennial climber that reaches about 1.5 metres and produces brick-red flowers from June to August. It prefers a sunny spot but will tolerate some partial shade on well-drained, moderately moist soil. Train its twining stems up a trellis or fence. Pods and seeds are not edible, so wear gloves when handling and remove seed pods if pets have access.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lathyrus rotundifolius

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

In the garden

Native to Turkey, Lathyrus rotundifolius is a herbaceous perennial climber that typically reaches around 1.5 metres, flowering in the UK from June to August with brick-red blooms. The flowers are unscented and appear on twining stems that cling to supports, making it a distinct summer-flowering member of the genus Lathyrus. Plant it in full sun for best flowering; it will tolerate partial shade but performs best in a sunnier aspect. Use a well-drained soil that retains moderate moisture rather than waterlogging. It tolerates cold down to around −20°C (H6, very hardy), so it will survive most mainland UK winters provided it is not left in permanently wet ground. Lathyrus rotundifolius suits trellises, fences or for scrambling through a taller shrub or small tree where its climbing habit can be shown off. Wear gloves when pruning or deadheading because pods and seeds are not edible. To limit unwanted seed formation, remove spent flowerheads before pods develop or cut back stems after flowering to tidy the plant and reduce seed set.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lathyrus

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: well-drained
Soil moisture: moderate

Plant details

Lathyrus rotundifolius size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial climber
Height: 1.5 metres
Suggested uses: climbing plant for trellises, fences
Native to: Turkey
Toxicity: Pods 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

Pruning and caring for Lathyrus rotundifolius

Propagation: seed

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Lathyrus rotundifolius?

Lathyrus rotundifolius prefers full sun and partial shade.

What soil does Lathyrus rotundifolius need?

Lathyrus rotundifolius grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.

How big does Lathyrus rotundifolius grow?

Lathyrus rotundifolius reaches a height of 1.5 metres.

How do I propagate Lathyrus rotundifolius?

Seed.

Is Lathyrus rotundifolius toxic?

Pods 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.

More in the Lathyrus genus

Browse all Lathyrus →