Lathyrus vernus forma roseus (spring pea) — perennial herb

Overview

Lathyrus vernus forma roseus is a perennial herb in the genus Lathyrus, part of the Q44448 family. Lathyrus vernus forma roseus grows best in partial shade and full shade, and tolerates loamy and well-drained soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include woodland gardens and shaded borders. It is native to Europe to Siberia and Iran.

About

Lathyrus vernus forma roseus is a perennial herb that flowers in June to August and suits partial to full shade. It favours moist, loamy, well-drained soil with a neutral to alkaline pH and is fully hardy in the UK (H7). Plant in woodland-style borders or shaded beds where soil remains cool. Pods and seeds are not edible, so wear gloves when handling and consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for pet advice.

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 roseus is a perennial herb native from Europe through Siberia to Iran and is adapted to the cooler, sheltered conditions of woodland ground. In the UK it flowers in June to August, offering a summer display where many shade-tolerant perennials are past their best. Its natural range and suggested uses point to planting it where light levels are reduced and humidity in the soil is steady. Give it partial to full shade and a loamy, well-drained soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged; a neutral to alkaline pH suits it best. Its H7 rating means it is fully hardy in UK gardens, tolerating winter temperatures across most regions without special protection. Avoid siting it in hot, dry, exposed positions where the rootzone can desiccate. Use Lathyrus vernus forma roseus in woodland gardens or shaded borders, lining paths beneath trees or tucked into mixed shade plantings where steady moisture and cool soil prevail. Take care with seed pods and harvested seed: they are not edible and should be handled with protective gloves, and for concerns about pets consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for contact information.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lathyrus

Sunlight: partial shade, full shade
Soil type: loamy, well-drained
Soil pH: neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: moist
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Lathyrus vernus forma roseus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial herb
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 roseus

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 roseus?

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 roseus?

Lathyrus vernus forma roseus prefers partial shade and full shade.

What soil does Lathyrus vernus forma roseus need?

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

How do I prune Lathyrus vernus forma roseus?

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

Is Lathyrus vernus forma roseus hardy in the UK?

Lathyrus vernus forma roseus has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Lathyrus vernus forma roseus?

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

Is Lathyrus vernus forma roseus 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 →