Lathyrus latifolius

PERENNIAL SWEET PEAS

Lathyrus latifolius
PERENNIAL SWEET PEAS

Lathyrus latifolius is a perennial Sweet Pea, not an annual like normal Sweet Peas.
So they are also commonly known as Everlasting Sweet Peas or Perpetual Climbing Pea.

Everlasting Sweet Peas for many years

So your Perennial Sweet Peas come back for you year after year, with no yearly planting.

Beautiful heritage colours

Lathyrus latifolius plants bloom in a delightful range of colours from pure white, through soft pinks and rose pinks, to sumptuous carmines; and bi-colours too.
But all are soft and blend so well with other colours.

Exceptionally long blooming trusses of peas

Perennial Sweet Peas are usually much longer blooming than their annual cousins.
Beginning to flaunt their lovely trusses from mid-spring on through summer, on into autumn too if you keep cutting the blooms.
Thus preventing the plants from setting seed (so be a spoil-sport and cut as many blooms for vases as you can).

Cracking cut flowers 

The flower trusses of Lathyrus latifolius fortunately come on decent length stems – so they make an excellent vase flower.
With a good vase life too, as the petals are quite substantial and waxy.

Hardy climber, twiner & crawler

Lathyrus latifolius is just the right size climber for any garden, even in a small space.
Plant this hardy climber in Full Sun, on a trellis, fence, or climbing through a supporting shrub. And it will scramble up to about 2m. high all by itself – it is self twining with gentle tendrils, and does not smother the host.
Or you can allow it to ramble across the ground and even cascade down a wall or steep slope.

Extended season of blooming, gorgeous colours – but sadly no scent

Sadly this is a Perennial Sweet Pea with no scent. But all is forgiven when you see the rich colours and abundant flowers.

Quickly raised from seed & easily grown

Plant hardy Lathyrus latifolius in well drained soil, with plenty of feed and some gravel for good drainage, and it will deliver perfect results.
It is easily raised from seed and grown on to flowering size.
Once planted it is a permanent perennial fixture in the garden, and does not need re-sowing each year.

Frost hardy & dry resistant

Lathyrus latifolius is hardy in even severe frosts, withstanding temperatures down to -10C approx.
It is also a water-wise perennial, and able to cope with periods of heat or dry once established.

Enjoys sun or part shade & a wide range of soils

Perennial Sweet Peas can be planted in Full Sun sites, or in areas where there is Shade for part of the day, or Dappled Light for part of the day.

Tolerate a wide range of soils

They are also very tolerant and forgiving of a wide range of soils, including lime based alkaline soils or acid soils; clay or sandy.
However they do like a spot with good airflow, and appreciate fertilizer over their long blooming period.

Deciduous perennial climber 2m. High x 90cm. Wide. (Unless left to scramble wider across the ground). Self twining.
Cut back to ground level at the end of autumn, ready to shoot away  with fresh, fast growth in spring.

*** Please note these are not edible peas

SEED SOWING ADVICE: QUICK & EASY
Suitable for beginners & gardening with kids

Can be sown outdoors direct in the garden in autumn, winter or early spring / or sown indoors in a punnet at any time.

Sowing indoors & outdoors: First soak the pea seeds in warm (not boiling) water and allow to cool overnight.
So Pea seeds that are ready to sow will have sunk to the bottom by morning. While any that are not yet ready will be floating.
Should you have any floating seeds – then roughen the hard coat by gently rubbing the seeds between 2 sheets of fine sandpaper, or rubbing between your hands with some grit or sand. Then re-soak overnight again.

Then plant pea seeds 2.5cm. deep.

Temperatures of 18-20C. are best for rapid and optimum germination.

Seeds germinate in approx. 14 days. at optimum temperature.

Seed Count:  3 seeds per pack approx. (Seeds of this unusual and lovely perennial are scarce).

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