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.
As with all members of the pea family, Lathyrus species are insect-pollinated, the size of the flower determining the species that can get to the nectar. Bumblebees and leaf-cutter bees are amongst the most frequent visitors, and some species are seen as essential food sources for several of our rarest bumblebee species including the shrill carder-bee. The leaves and seeds are eaten by the caterpillars of a range of moths, both large and small. In addition to our native types of pea, L. latifolius is now widespread in the wild in England, especially colonizing brownfield sites where it forms a key nectar and pollen resource for the often numerous species of insect in such habitats.