About
A scrambling, annual, nitrogen-fixing climber, up to 1.2m high, with angular, winged stems, mid-green leaves divided into two narrowly elliptic, pointed leaflets, up to 15cm long and up to 1cm wide, and solitary flowers, up to 2.5cm across, usually sky-blue with a pink and white spot on the upper petal, sometimes pink or white, in late spring and early summer; the seeds are safely edible if they are first soaked overnight in lime water and then boiled.
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
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toEurope
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full sun in moist but well-drained soil, and provide support or grow next to shrubs over which it can scramble. See sweetpea cultivation for further information.
PruningNo pruning required, but deadheading before seeds have formed will prolong the flowering season
PropagationPropagate by seed, soaked for 24 hours before sowing, and sow directly in spring, 2.5cm deep, or sow in containers under cover in autumn or winter and then plant out in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails and thrips but generally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free