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Climber Wall Shrub

Lathyrus latifolius 'Red Pearl'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

'Red Pearl' is a vigorous climbing perennial to 2m or more, with winged stems and leaves made up of one pair of oblong-elliptic leaflets, and two broad stipules. Magenta-red flowers are produced in racemes of 6-11 flowers from summer to early autumn.

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Red Green Grey Silver
Autumn Red Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical 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. 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

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Can be grown as a climber or allowed to scramble over banks and slopes. It copes with sun or partial shade in fertile, well drained soil. See sweetpea cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Banks and slopes
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Cut flowers
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Cut back to ground level in autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, Fusarium wilt and sweet pea viruses

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