code: 1011
appear from March until May
Family: Fabaceae
Plant Classification: Hardy perennial
Minimum Height: 25 cm
Maximum Height: 35 cm
Packet Content(approx.): 5
This most unusual foliage form of the “Spring Vetchling” has leaflets which are finely divided into small wavy tendrils, producing an intriguing ferny effect. The impressive sprays of flowers have violet standards and strong dark blue keels, and appear from March until May. Very few seeds are set here on this plant.
Sowing advice:
For best results, sow seeds immediately onto a good soil-based compost. Cover the seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. They can be sown at any time, and germination can sometimes be quicker if kept at 15 to 20 degrees C. However, we sow most seeds in an unheated greenhouse and wait for natural germination as many seeds have built-in dormancy mechanisms, and often wait for spring before emerging regardless of when they are sown. But spring sowing will obviously give them a full season of growth if successful germination occurs.
Information:
Bloom Time: April
Bloom Description: Blue/violet
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Culture
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Plants tend to burn up in full sun. Foliage tends to die down after flowering. Slow to establish. Avoid disturbing roots.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lathyrus vernus is a non-climbing perennial sweet pea. It is a multi-stemmed, clump-forming plant with a bushy habit which typically grows to 12″ high. Typical pea-like flowers (3/4″) are borne in axillary racemes (5-8 flowers each) in April. Flowers are reddish purple with red veins, becoming more violet-blue as they mature. Pinnate, light green leaves (each divided into 2-3 pairs of 3″ long, ovate leaflets) lack tendrils.
Genus name comes from the Greek word lathyros for pea or pulse.
Specific epithet means of Spring.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Shady borders. Woodland, cottage or wild gardens. Incorporate into a naturalized planting.
