Lathyrus nervosus
Lord Anson's blue pea
L. nervosus is a herbaceous, perennial climber with prominently-veined, leathery, grey-green leaves terminating in a tendril. The scented, purplish-blue flowers appear in small clusters on long stems in summer
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Pods and seeds are not edible. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S America
How to grow
Cultivation
Needs fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade, and can be trained up a support, or be allowed to scramble. Will need winter protection in all but mild areas. See sweetpea cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Cut back to ground level in autumn
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, Fusarium wilt and sweet pea viruses
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.