Broad-leaved Sweet Pea
Lathyrus latifolius
Also listed as Pisum latifolium
Also known as Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Perennial Sweet Pea
Climate Match for your location
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A perennial climbing vine with broad leaflets and pink or magenta sweet pea-like flowers that bloom throughout summer. It climbs via tendrils and is excellent for trellises, arbors, and fences.
Why grow it
Broad-leaved sweet pea offers extended summer bloom compared to annual sweet pea varieties, with the added benefit of returning reliably year after year without reseeding. Its perennial habit makes it useful for establishing permanent vertical structure in permaculture systems, while the tendrilled growth habit requires minimal training compared to twining vines. The flowers attract pollinators throughout the season and differ from annual sweet peas mainly in hardiness and longevity rather than ornamental appeal.
Watch out for
Not for eating: the seeds can cause lathyrism, a nerve condition from eating large amounts of Lathyrus seed. This plant may take a full season to establish and flower reliably from seed. In warm climates it may decline in peak summer heat without afternoon shade or consistent moisture, and self-seeding can occur, so deadhead spent flowers if volunteers are unwanted.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native Range
Southern Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Season of Interest
Climber
Vines that climb the layers above on a support.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A perennial climbing vine with broad leaflets and pink or magenta sweet pea-like flowers that bloom throughout summer. It climbs via tendrils and is excellent for trellises, arbors, and fences.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Broad-leaved Sweet Pea grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Broad-leaved sweet pea offers extended summer bloom compared to annual sweet pea varieties, with the added benefit of returning reliably year after year without reseeding. Its perennial habit makes it useful for establishing permanent vertical structure in permaculture systems, while the tendrilled growth habit requires minimal training compared to twining vines. The flowers attract pollinators throughout the season and differ from annual sweet peas mainly in hardiness and longevity rather than ornamental appeal.
Watch out for
Not for eating: the seeds can cause lathyrism, a nerve condition from eating large amounts of Lathyrus seed. This plant may take a full season to establish and flower reliably from seed. In warm climates it may decline in peak summer heat without afternoon shade or consistent moisture, and self-seeding can occur, so deadhead spent flowers if volunteers are unwanted.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native Range
Southern Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Season of Interest
Climber
Vines that climb the layers above on a support.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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