About
Rainbow' is a compact, clump-forming perennial to 40cm tall and wide with dark-green, pinnate leaves divided into 2-4 pairs of oval or lance-shaped leaflets. In spring, short racemes of pea-like flowers, each up to 2cm long and in shades of pink, purple, blue and white, are borne on one side of the short, dark flower stems.
About the genus
Lathyrus can be annuals or herbaceous or evergreen perennials, mostly climbing, with pinnate leaves ending in a tendril, and showy pea-like flowers, fragrant in some species
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesRock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
ToxicityPods 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
CultivationBest grown in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. See sweetpea cultivation for further information.
PruningDeadhead regularly then cut stems down to the ground in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, Fusarium wilt and sweet pea viruses