Lathyrus Latifolius - Cultivation and Habits

Cultivation and Habits

Lathyrus latifolius is a perennial herbaceous vine (climber), which can reach 6 feet or more by means of twining tendrils, but in open areas sprawls. It is frost-hardy, long-lived and slowly spreading. The foliage becomes rather ragged and yellowish by the end of summer.

It requires partial to full sun, and loam or clay-loam soil that is moist, mesic, or slightly dry. It is less strongly-scented than the related annual sweet pea, Lathyrus odoratus, with which it may be confused. While grown as a garden plant it may be pervasive and difficult to remove. Because of this, this species is often considered to be a weed despite its attractive appearance.

Numerous cultivars have been selected as garden subjects, of which the following have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:-

  • L. latifolius (pink)
  • 'Alba' (white)
  • 'Rosa Perle' (pale pink)
  • 'White Pearl' (white)

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