Perennial Sweet Pea, Perennial pea
Lathyrus latifolius
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Pink, Red, White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Spreading or horizontal.
Lathyrus latifolius is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 2
Where it is found
Hedges, vineyards, fields and uncultivated places.
S. Europe. Occasionally naturalized in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Seed - cooked. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Young seedpod - cooked. Young plant - cooked.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Seedpod: things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
Plants can be grown without supports when they will sprawl on the ground and can be used as a ground cover plant in a sunny position. They should be spaced about 1.5 metres apart each way. They are very vigorous and so are best not used with small plants. They also die down completely in the winter, giving weeds a chance to become established.
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Arbor, Container. An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good garden soil, whether acid or alkaline. Prefers a position in full sun but tolerates part day shade. Succeeds in dry soils and is drought tolerant when established. Grows well on dry slopes. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn. Plants are hardy to at least -10°c. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties. It is fast-growing and, when in a suitable position, can become invasive. Plants climb by means of tendrils. Resents root disturbance and can take a year or two to settle down after being moved. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. Special Features:All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Suitable for cut flowers. The plant is heat tolerant in zones 9 through 5. (Plant Hardiness Zones show how well plants withstand cold winter temperatures. Plant Heat Zones show when plants would start suffering from the heat. The Plant Heat Zone map is based on the number of "heat days" experienced in a given area where the temperature climbs to over 86 degrees F (30°C). At this temperature, many plants begin to suffer physiological damage. Heat Zones range from 1 (no heat days) to 12 (210 or more heat days). For example Heat Zone. 11-1 indicates that the plant is heat tolerant in zones 11 through 1.) For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. Herbaceous. A suckering vine sending up suckers some distance main plant. The root pattern is rhizomatous with underground stems sending roots and shoots along their length.
Propagating it: Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, then it can also be sown in situ in mid spring. Division in spring. It may not transplant well so care should be taken.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover; Meadow;
Habit: Perennial Climber
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Although no records of toxicity have been found for this plant, the seed of some species in this genus contain a toxic amino acid that can cause a severe disease of the nervous system known as 'lathyrism' if they are eaten in large amounts (although small quantities are said to be nutritious). Great caution is advised.