Perennial Sweet Pea

lathyrus latifolius

Also known as: ["Everlasting Pea","Perennial Pea"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Lathyrus Category: Flowers

Overview

A vigorous, climbing vine with fragrant, pea-like flowers that bloom from summer to fall.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Lathyrus
Botanical Name: Lathyrus latifolius

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed, trellis, or fence for climbing support
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
  • Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of oldest stems.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but blooms less.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually; protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves with brown tips indicate overwatering; wilting despite moist soil suggests root rot.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; rotate pot for even growth; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water at the base to avoid foliage disease; ensure soil dries between waterings; adjust for weather and growth stage.

Soil

well-drained, fertile loam with added organic matter

pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).

Ensure good drainage; enrich with compost annually; avoid compacted soil.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights but avoid frost.

Protect from frost; water early to avoid heat stress; adjust care for seasonal shifts.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Dilute fertilizer to half strength; apply after watering; stop feeding in fall.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; seeds can also be sown in spring.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cutting.
  2. Apply hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Keep moist.
  5. Wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F), high humidity, indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut stems back to the base or lateral buds; thin out crowded areas.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or weak stems to improve air circulation and encourage blooms.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; cut at 45-degree angle; remove debris; clean up afterward.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure 1–2 inches of extra space.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; ensure drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill container; needed if growth slows.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; trim roots; add fresh soil; water lightly.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring root zone saturation; avoid wetting leaves; water in the morning for optimal absorption.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the base without disturbing soil.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or aged manure; mix in perlite for drainage; topdress with organic mulch.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts; may die back in frost; roots can rot in cold, wet soil.

Solution: Mulch to insulate roots; move containers indoors before frost; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; blooms fade quickly in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; water deeply in morning; increase humidity around plant.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute properly; apply to soil; rinse tools after use.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid winter feeding.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Lathyrus latifolius may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, which can impair photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Lathyrus latifolius is often caused by water stress, either due to drought or root issues, leading to reduced turgor pressure and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Lathyrus latifolius are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Lathyrus latifolius due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, resulting in decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Lathyrus latifolius is generally considered non-toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects associated with ingestion of this plant by felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if ingested

While non-toxic, monitor pets to prevent excessive consumption of any plant material.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Lathyrus latifolius is generally considered non-toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects associated with ingestion of this plant by canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if ingested

While non-toxic, monitor pets to prevent excessive consumption of any plant material.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Lathyrus latifolius contains amino acids that can cause lathyrism, a neurological disorder, when consumed in excessive amounts over a prolonged period. The physiological impact is primarily on the nervous system, leading to motor neuron degeneration.

⚠️ Symptoms:
weakness paralysis difficulty walking numbness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds young pods
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Avoid consuming large quantities of seeds or young pods. Use as an ornamental plant rather than a food source.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Lathyrus latifolius toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How often should I water Perennial Sweet Pea?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Q: Does Perennial Sweet Pea need support?

A: Yes, it is a climbing vine and requires a trellis or support structure to grow properly.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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