Lathyrus aureus
perennial golden pea
A bushy, robust, non-climbing species with an upright growing habit. In early to mid summer it produces flowerheads of up to twenty five dusky yellow-orange flowers, each one 1.5 to 2cm long
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 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 | Orange Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Orange Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–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
- Greece
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; as a calcifuge, avoid attempting to grow it in chalky soils. See sweetpea cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by division in early spring or propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Rock garden
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
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
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