About
A herbaceous perennial climber, with winged stems and mid-green leaves, producing stalks of 4-11 rich pink, pea-like flowers.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
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, snails and Thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, Fusarium wilt and sweet pea viruses