Description
Lathyrus –
There are about 150 species of annual and herbaceous or evergreen perennials in this genus. They occur in sunny, sandy or pebbly banks, grassy slopes, wasteland, or open woodland in Northern temperate regions, Northern and Eastern Africa, and temperate South America. They are grown for their showy, pea-like, often scented flowers, in many colors held either single or in racemes followed by flat seed pods. Stems are usually winged, and bear alternate, pinnate leaves. Many are climber (with tendrils), others are clump forming. The climbers are useful for growing through shrubs or over a bank. L. odoratus is suitable for a trellis or arch, or an annual border for cut flowers. Clump forming species and cultivars are suitable for a rock garden, woodland garden, or herbaceous border. Seeds may cause mild stomach upset if ingested.
Grow in fertile, humus rich, well drained soil in full sun or light dappled shade. Climbers need support. Deadhead regularly. Divide perennial species in spring.
Prone to slugs and snails, pythium root rot, powdery mildew, rust, gray mold, and various leaf spots.
L. sylvestris – Perennial Pea – This herbaceous, perennial climber from Europe, Northwestern Africa and the Caucasus grows 6′ feet high. From winged stems it carries mid green leaves that consist of one pair of slender, linear-elliptic leaflets, 2-6″ long, with one pair of narrow stipules. From summer to early autumn it bears long stalked racemes of 3-8 pink flowers, to 3/4″ long, with purplish pink wing petals.
Zones 6-9
