About
This scrambling perennial climbing with leaf tendrils to around 1.5m. Flowers consist of many of small purple-blue pea-type flowers all arranged on one side of the stem and develop into pods of seeds. The leaves have many pairs of green leaflets in a ladder-like arrangement, the last two of which are tendrils instead.
About the genus
Vicia are annuals, herbaceous perennials or climbers; leaves may be simple or divided into many small leaflets, often ending in a tendril. The yellow, purple, white or pink, pea-like flowers are produced in small clusters on the stem or in larger, upright sprays
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClimbing, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moist but well drained soil in sun or semi-shade. The roots have nodules which fix nitrogen from the air, so improve soil fertility
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate from seed sown outdoors, in sun or light shade, where it is to grow
Pest resistanceGenerally pest free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free