Lathyrus vernus forma variegatus (spring pea) — perennial

Overview

Lathyrus vernus forma variegatus is a perennial in the genus Lathyrus, part of the Q44448 family. Lathyrus vernus forma variegatus grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates loamy and well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline 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 variegatus is a perennial spring pea notable for its variegated foliage and pea-like flowers. It favours shady, moisture-retentive sites with a loamy, well-drained soil. Flowering occurs 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 variegatus is a perennial member of the Lathyrus genus, native from Europe through to Siberia and Iran. As a forma selected for variegation, it offers foliage interest beneath a canopy rather than relying solely on bloom. Its flowering season runs June to August, producing the pea-type blooms that follow the spring leaf flush. Plant it where it receives partial shade or full shade and where soil remains moist but free-draining; a loamy, neutral to alkaline soil suits it best. The UK hardiness rating H5 indicates it is hardy across most of the UK and will tolerate typical winter conditions when mulched in colder exposed spots. Use it in woodland gardens and shaded borders, or beneath deciduous trees where early summer light filters through. Avoid dry, baked locations and improve moisture retention with organic matter if planting in a drier border. Take care removing spent seed pods: pods and seeds are not edible, and gloves or other protective equipment should be worn when handling; for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lathyrus

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

Plant details

Lathyrus vernus forma variegatus 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 variegatus

Cultivation: Prefers humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial 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 variegatus?

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

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

Lathyrus vernus forma variegatus prefers partial shade and shade.

What soil does Lathyrus vernus forma variegatus need?

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

How do I prune Lathyrus vernus forma variegatus?

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

Is Lathyrus vernus forma variegatus hardy in the UK?

Lathyrus vernus forma variegatus 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 variegatus?

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

Is Lathyrus vernus forma variegatus 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 →