About
Lathyrus rotundifolius, the Persian everlasting pea, is a herbaceous perennial climber with winged stems and mid-green leaflets, producing small racemes of 4�11 dark purplish-pink to brownish-red flowers 1.5�2 cm long in summer. A rewarding and distinctive everlasting pea for a sunny fence or trellis.
About the genus
Lathyrus, the peas and vetches, 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. Popular cottage-garden climbers and border plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toTurkey
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
CultivationBest grown in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. See sweetpea cultivation for further information
PruningDeadhead regularly then cut stems down to the ground in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring but may resent disturbance, or propagate by seed, soak seeds and sow in containers in a cold frame in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, Fusarium wilt and sweet pea viruses