Lathyrus sylvestris
narrow-leaved everlasting pea
A climbing perennial to 2m tall with broadly-winged stems and leaves comprising a pair of narrowly lanceolate leaflets up to 15cm long with a branched tendril. Racemes of 4-10 rose-pink flowers marked with green and purple, each up to 2cm long, are borne in summer and early autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Pods 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
- 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
- Europe & Morocco
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. See sweetpea cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
- Climber and wall shrubs
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering and cut back in autumn
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, Fusarium wilt and sweet pea viruses
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