Overview
Lathyrus vernus is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Lathyrus, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Lathyrus vernus grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Suggested uses include rock garden. It is native to Europe to Siberia and Iran.
About
Lathyrus vernus is a low-growing perennial that reaches heights of up to 45 cm. It features dark green, pinnate foliage and produces short clusters, or racemes, of flowers, each measuring approximately 2 cm. The blooms begin as reddish-purple and gradually take on a greenish-blue hue as they age.
About the genus
Lathyrus includes annuals as well as herbaceous and evergreen perennial plants, predominantly characterized by their climbing habit. These plants feature pinnate leaves that culminate in tendrils, and they produce prominent flowers resembling those of peas, with some species emitting a pleasant fragrance.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lathyrus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Lathyrus vernus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden
- Native to
- Europe to Siberia and Iran
- 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 vernus
- Cultivation
- Best grown in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. See sweetpea cultivation for further information
- Pruning
- Deadhead regularly then cut stems down to the ground in autumn
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in early spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews, Fusarium wilt and sweet pea viruses
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Lathyrus vernus?
Best grown in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. See sweetpea cultivation for further information.
Where is the best place to plant Lathyrus vernus?
Lathyrus vernus prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Lathyrus vernus need?
Lathyrus vernus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Lathyrus vernus?
Deadhead regularly then cut stems down to the ground in autumn.
How big does Lathyrus vernus grow?
Lathyrus vernus reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Lathyrus vernus hardy in the UK?
Lathyrus vernus has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Lathyrus vernus?
Propagate by division in early spring.
Is Lathyrus vernus toxic?
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.