Overview
Lathyrus vernus 'Subtle Hints' is a climbing, scrambling, clump-forming annual biennial in the genus Lathyrus, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lathyrus vernus 'Subtle Hints' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include climbers, wall side borders, banks and slopes, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, city and courtyard gardens and coastal.
About
Lathyrus vernus, the spring vetchling, spring pea, or spring vetch, is a species of flowering herbaceous perennial plant in the genus Lathyrus, native to forests of Europe and Siberia. It forms a dense clump of pointed leaves with purple flowers in spring, shading to a greenish-blue with age.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lathyrus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Lathyrus vernus 'Subtle Hints' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Climbing, Scrambling, Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Climbers, Wall side borders, Banks and slopes, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lathyrus vernus 'Subtle Hints'
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, Fusarium wilt, Sweet pea viruses
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lathyrus vernus 'Subtle Hints'?
Lathyrus vernus 'Subtle Hints' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Lathyrus vernus 'Subtle Hints' need?
Lathyrus vernus 'Subtle Hints' grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Lathyrus vernus 'Subtle Hints' hardy in the UK?
Lathyrus vernus 'Subtle Hints' 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 'Subtle Hints'?
Seed, Division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Lathyrus genus
- Lathyrus aureusperennial golden pea
- Lathyrus grandiflorustwo-flowered everlasting pea
- Lathyrus latifoliusbroad-leaved everlasting pea
- Lathyrus latifolius 'Rose Queen'Rose Queen Everlasting Pea
- Lathyrus maritimusSea pea
- Lathyrus odoratus 'Phyllis Elizabeth'Sweet Pea
- Lathyrus rotundifoliusPersian everlasting pea
- Lathyrus latifolius albus or albiflorus or 'White Pearl'White Everlasting Pea