Lathyrus vernus
spring pea
A compact, clump-forming herbaceous perennial to 45cm in height, with dark green, pinnate leaves and short racemes of up to 6 flowers 2cm in length, reddish-purple, shaded greenish-blue with age
Synonyms
Orobus vernusLathyrus cyaneus misapplied
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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 to Siberia and Iran
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. See sweetpea cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by division in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Rock garden
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead regularly then cut stems down to the ground 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.