About
A climbing perennial to 2m tall with broadly-winged stems and leaves comprising a pair of narrowly pointed leaflets up to 15cm long with a branched tendril. Racemes of 4-10 rose-pink flowers marked with green and purple, each up to 2cm long, are borne in summer and early autumn.
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
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Climber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toEurope & Morocco
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
CultivationNeeds fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade, and can be trained up a support, or be allowed to scramble. See sweetpea cultivation for further information
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering and cut back in autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, Fusarium wilt and sweet pea viruses