Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink White | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Matforming, Trailing
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light dappled shade. Incorporate well-rotted organic manure before planting and apply a general liquid fertiliser every two weeks when in growth. See sweetpea cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by seed in a cold frame or greenhouse in early autumn or early spring or in-situ in mid-spring. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- hanging basket
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Bedding
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
For a long and regular supply of blooms, cut flowers frequently, before they produce seed pods
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.