Lathyrus

We grow two groups of pea-like plants at Beth's those that climb and and those that clump-form. All are perennial, thus return year after year, but lose their foliage over winter. The everlasting peas, such as L. latifolius, have tendrils, which allow them to climb or scramble through other plants. They produce larger flowers in summer. The spring peas, or clump-formers, have a more colourful range of flowers, which are smaller and appear in spring. Good drainage is required for both groups, with full sun or part shade. There are over 160 species across the world, many of which are annuals, including the sweet pea, L. odoratus. Grown and bred for years in the UK, with over 1200 cultivated forms.