Overview

Lathyrus rotundifolius is a perennial climber in the genus Lathyrus, part of the Fabaceae 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 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

From the Fenn Plants journal

• Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
• Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
• Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.

More in the Lathyrus genus

• 
  Lathyrus aureusperennial golden pea
• 
  Lathyrus grandiflorustwo-flowered everlasting pea
• 
  Lathyrus latifoliusbroad-leaved everlasting pea
• 
  Lathyrus latifolius 'Rose Queen'Rose Queen Everlasting Pea
• 
  Lathyrus maritimusSea pea
• 
  Lathyrus odoratus 'Phyllis Elizabeth'Sweet Pea
• Lathyrus latifolius albus or albiflorus or 'White Pearl'White Everlasting Pea
• Lathyrus odoratus var. nanellus 'Lady T Cherub' (Cherub Series)Sweet Pea