Lathyrus vernus forma albiflorus (spring pea) — perennial

Overview

Lathyrus vernus forma albiflorus is a perennial in the genus Lathyrus, part of the Q44448 family. Lathyrus vernus forma albiflorus grows best in partial shade and full shade, and tolerates loamy and well-drained soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include woodland gardens and shaded borders. It is native to Europe to Siberia and Iran.

About

Lathyrus vernus forma albiflorus is a perennial pea that forms erect stems with a clump of pointed leaves and pale flowers which change colour with age. It suits shaded conditions and is typically used in woodland or shaded border planting. Flowers appear in the UK from June to August. Pods and seeds are not edible and should be handled with care.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lathyrus vernus

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

Lathyrus vernus forma albiflorus is a herbaceous perennial from Europe to Siberia and Iran, planted for its seasonally long display of flowers and compact clump-forming habit. In the UK it flowers from June to August and is most at home away from direct sun, reflecting its woodland origins. Give it partial to full shade and a loamy, well-drained soil that holds moisture; a neutral to slightly acidic pH is preferable. The plant is classed H5 (hardy) so it tolerates typical UK winter conditions when placed in a sheltered, shaded spot with consistent moisture. Avoid dry exposed sites and soils that remain waterlogged through winter. Use it at the front of shaded borders, beneath trees where root competition is not extreme, or in a woodland garden where the pale, age-changing flowers can be seen close to eye level. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling, because pods and seeds are not edible; for advice concerning pets and further contact numbers consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lathyrus

Sunlight: partial shade, full shade
Soil type: loamy, well-drained
Soil pH: neutral, slightly acidic
Soil moisture: moist
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Lathyrus vernus forma albiflorus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: woodland gardens, shaded borders
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 forma albiflorus

Cultivation: Prefers humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Pruning: Remove spent flowers to encourage tidiness; cut back after flowering if necessary.
Propagation: Seed sown in autumn or spring; division in early spring.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Lathyrus vernus forma albiflorus?

Prefers humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Where is the best place to plant Lathyrus vernus forma albiflorus?

Lathyrus vernus forma albiflorus prefers partial shade and full shade.

What soil does Lathyrus vernus forma albiflorus need?

Lathyrus vernus forma albiflorus grows best in loamy and well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Lathyrus vernus forma albiflorus?

Remove spent flowers to encourage tidiness; cut back after flowering if necessary.

Is Lathyrus vernus forma albiflorus hardy in the UK?

Lathyrus vernus forma albiflorus has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Lathyrus vernus forma albiflorus?

Seed sown in autumn or spring; division in early spring.

Is Lathyrus vernus forma albiflorus 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.

More in the Lathyrus genus

Browse all Lathyrus →