Lathyrus
( LATH - ihr - us )
Lathyrus Species and Varietals
The best growing zones for Lathyrus vary depending on the species. For more information on growing these flowers, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Lathyrus latifolius (Perennial Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea) This species grows in zones 1-24 and is native to Europe. It forms a vine that reaches 9 feet long with bluish-green foliage. Flowers are a mix of purple, white, red, and pink. It can bloom all summer if flowers are deadheaded before allowed to come to seed. This is considered an easy-care plant and can become weedy. It is great when used as a bank cover, to spill over walls and containers, and on trellises or fences. |
Lathyrus odoratus This annual species grows in all zones and is native to the Mediterranean. It can bloom in winter, spring or summer and has many spiked clusters of flowers with a sweet fragrance. Blossoms can be singularly colored or mixed in purple, blue, scarlet, white, cream and salmon. Vining types can reach 5 feet or more and climb using tendrils. Bushy types reach 8 inches to three feet in height and make great cut flowers. |
Heirloom Varieties of Lathyrus
This group contains species that are not as large or showy as the more modern hybrids, but they have powerfully fragrant blooms.
This group contains species that are not as large or showy as the more modern hybrids, but they have powerfully fragrant blooms.
Early-Flowering Varieties of Lathyrus
These species bloom in the middle of winter, when days are short. Seeds should be sown in late summer for a wintertime bloom. They are not heat-resistant and are generally sold in mixed colors.
These species bloom in the middle of winter, when days are short. Seeds should be sown in late summer for a wintertime bloom. They are not heat-resistant and are generally sold in mixed colors.
Spring Flowering Varieties of Lathyrus
Bush Type Varieties of Lathyrus
These strong-limbed vining shrubs have predetermined heights and widths. Some are self-supporting, some are not. Flowers come in many colors and they can be grown in any region. Many are spring blooming.
These strong-limbed vining shrubs have predetermined heights and widths. Some are self-supporting, some are not. Flowers come in many colors and they can be grown in any region. Many are spring blooming.
'Bijou'
Gets up to 1 foot tall and is available in many colors, mixed or singular. Each stem is 5-7 inches long and produces 4-5 flowers. Self-supporting; great in window boxes, borders, beds, or pots. |
'Cupid'
4-6 inched tall and 1 foot wide. Can trail on the ground or out of containers. |
'Jet Set'
These bushy plants need some support. |
Lathyrus splendens (Pride of California) This perennial grows best in zones 14-24 and are native to San Diego County and Baja California. Gets 8-10 feet tall and has deep red flowers in clusters of 3-10. Blooms in early springtime Can be started from seed in fall or spring, and placed in the garden in fall or winter. They love well-draining soil and can live for a long time in those soil conditions. |
Caring for Lathyrus
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
|
Propagating camellias
|
Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 400, Lathyrus
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!