Lathyrus vernus forma cyaneus of gardens (spring pea) — perennial herb

Overview

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

About

Lathyrus vernus forma cyaneus of gardens is a perennial herb in the pea genus with flowers that are purple, ageing to blue. It flowers in the UK from June to August and suits partial shade to full sun. It prefers moist, well-drained loamy soil of neutral to alkaline pH and is rated hardy (H5). Pods and seeds are not edible, so handle 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

A member of the genus Lathyrus, Lathyrus vernus forma cyaneus of gardens originates from Europe to Siberia and Iran and behaves as a clump-forming perennial herb. The flowering season in the UK runs from June to August, when the purple blooms progressively age towards blue, offering colour through early to mid summer. Grow it where roots stay reliably moist but free-draining: a loamy soil with neutral to alkaline reaction suits it best. It tolerates partial shade and will also take a sunny spot provided soil moisture is maintained. The plant carries an H5 hardiness rating, so it is considered hardy for most UK gardens. Use it at the front of mixed borders or in shaded, semi-natural areas within woodland gardens where its summer flowering complements bulbs and shade-tolerant perennials. Take care with seed pods and any handling: pods and seeds are not edible, so wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling, and consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for advice relating to pets.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lathyrus

Sunlight: partial shade, full sun
Soil type: well-drained, loamy
Soil pH: neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: moist
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Lathyrus vernus forma cyaneus of gardens size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial herb
Suggested uses: woodland gardens, 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 cyaneus of gardens

Cultivation: Prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil. Plant in spring or autumn. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Pruning: Remove spent flowers to encourage tidy growth.
Propagation: Seed, division

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Lathyrus vernus forma cyaneus of gardens?

Prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil. Plant in spring or autumn. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Where is the best place to plant Lathyrus vernus forma cyaneus of gardens?

Lathyrus vernus forma cyaneus of gardens prefers partial shade and full sun.

What soil does Lathyrus vernus forma cyaneus of gardens need?

Lathyrus vernus forma cyaneus of gardens grows best in well-drained and loamy soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Lathyrus vernus forma cyaneus of gardens?

Remove spent flowers to encourage tidy growth.

Is Lathyrus vernus forma cyaneus of gardens hardy in the UK?

Lathyrus vernus forma cyaneus of gardens 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 cyaneus of gardens?

Seed, division.

Is Lathyrus vernus forma cyaneus of gardens 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 →