Spring Vetchling Lathyrus vernus 'Rosenelfe'
ABOUT
Lathyrus vernus 'Rosenelfe', commonly known as the spring vetchling or spring pea, is a charming flowering plant that brings a splash of color to the garden in early spring. Its foliage consists of multiple leaflets that have a soft, green texture, giving the plant a delicate and fine appearance. The leaflets are oval-shaped, with a pointed tip, and they grow in pairs along the stems. The spring vetchling is celebrated for its beautiful flowers, which emerge in attractive clusters. The blossoms of 'Rosenelfe' are especially noteworthy for their enchanting pink to lilac color, which can add a romantic touch to any planting scheme. Each flower has a pea-like shape that is typical of plants in the legume family, with a standard petal at the top, two wing petals on the sides, and a keel at the bottom. As the flowers age, they can change in color, providing a lovely gradient effect within the same cluster. This characteristic makes the plant even more appealing, as the display of colors can vary from deep pink to a pastel hue throughout the blooming period. While the appearance of 'Rosenelfe' is truly eye-catching during flowering, it also maintains a pleasing look after the blooming season due to its neat foliage. Overall, the spring vetchling 'Rosenelfe' is a delightful plant that can bring beauty and an air of enchantment to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Spring Vetchling, Spring Pea
Common names
Lathyrus vernus 'Rosenelfe'.
ToxicityTo humans
Spring vetch is generally considered to be mildly toxic to humans. While specific information on the 'Rosenelfe' cultivar is limited, plants in the Lathyrus genus contain a compound called lathyrogens, which can cause lathyrism when consumed in large quantities. Lathyrism is a condition characterized by neurological and musculoskeletal symptoms such as muscle weakness, paralysis, and potentially irreversible neurological damage. However, accidental ingestion of small amounts of this plant is unlikely to cause severe symptoms in humans.
To pets
Spring vetch is also toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. Similar to its effects on humans, the lathyrogens in the plant can cause lathyrism in pets if consumed in significant amounts. Symptoms in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, convulsions, and potentially even more severe neurological issues like muscle weakness or paralysis if a large enough quantity is ingested. Pet owners should prevent access to this plant to keep their animals safe.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Spring Beauty: Lathyrus vernus 'Rosenelfe', commonly known as Spring Vetchling, brings early spring blooms with its attractive purplish-pink flowers, adding color to the garden after winter.
- Low Maintenance: This perennial plant requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners seeking plants with lower upkeep.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the Spring Vetchling exhibits good drought tolerance, making it suitable for drier climates and reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pest Resistance: It's generally resistant to pests, reducing the necessity for chemical treatments and making it a good choice for organic or low-maintenance gardening.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the pollination of many plants and the overall health of the garden.
- Compact Growth: With its compact growth habit, Spring Vetchling is an excellent choice for small gardens, borders, or as underplanting for taller shrubs or trees.
- Deer Resistance: This plant is not a preferred choice for deer, making it a good option for gardens in areas where deer are a problem.
- Seasonal Interest: Its foliage often changes color in autumn, providing multi-season interest in the garden.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some other legumes, Spring Vetchling is non-invasive and does not pose a threat to the balance of native ecosystems.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Spring vetchling dye: The flowers of the spring vetchling can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering a range of hues depending on the mordant used.
- Photographic subject: Owing to its charming flowers, the spring vetchling is often photographed by nature photographers for its aesthetic appeal in springtime garden portfolios.
- Edible flower garnish: While not widely known for its edibility, the flowers of the spring vetchling can be used as an ornamental and potentially edible garnish for salads and desserts, though they should be consumed in moderation due to potential toxicity with excessive ingestion.
- Educational tool: Spring vetchling can be used in educational settings to teach about plant life cycles, particularly in temperate climates where it heralds the onset of spring.
- Garden design themes: The plant can be used to create 'fairy' or 'elfin' gardens, playing into its cultivar name 'Rosenelfe,' which translates as 'Rose Elf.'
- Floral art: The stems and flowers can be incorporated into botanical art and crafts, such as creating pressed flower arrangements or natural jewelry.
- Signage and symbolism: In garden design, spring vetchling can be used to communicate themes of renewal and rebirth, symbolic of its spring emergence.
- Companion planting: Spring vetchling may be used in permaculture and companion planting schemes to enhance biodiversity and benefit neighboring plants with its early season growth.
- Seed crafts: The seeds of Lathyrus vernus can be used for educational crafts, such as creating mosaics or decorating pots, once they are properly dried and treated.
- Cultural ceremonies: In some cultures, the flowers of spring vetchling might be used in spring festivals or ceremonies to mark the change of seasons.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Spring Vetchling is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Spring Vetchling is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Blissful Pleasure: Lathyrus vernus 'Rosenelfe', commonly known as Spring Vetchling, is often associated with the pure joy and pleasure found in the early signs of spring.
- Youthful Innocence: The freshness of the Spring Vetchling bloom symbolizes innocence and the fresh start associated with youth.
- Lasting Friendship: As a member of the genus Lathyrus, the Spring Vetchling represents the enduring nature of friendships, suggesting relationships that remain steadfast over time.
- Departure: In some cultural contexts, the ephemeral nature of the plant's blooming cycle can represent bidding farewell or the transition from one phase of life to another.
- New Opportunities: The emergence of the Spring Vetchling flowers at the end of winter signals the beginning of a new cycle, leading to symbolize new opportunities and growth.
WaterFor the Spring Vetchling, or Lathyrus vernus 'Rosenelfe', watering should be done when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, likely once a week depending on climate conditions. It’s better to water deeply and less frequently to encourage root growth. Provide about one gallon of water per plant each time you water, ensuring that the water penetrates the soil rather than running off the surface. During the growing season, increase the frequency if there are extended periods of dry weather. Cut back on watering as the plant goes dormant in the fall.
LightThe Spring Vetchling thrives in partial shade to full sun. The ideal spot for this plant is where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day, especially in hotter climates. Avoid placing it in deep shade or in locations where the hot midday sun might scorch the foliage.
TemperatureThe Spring Vetchling can survive a range of temperatures but prefers situations where the climate is temperate. It fares well in temperatures as low as 20°F and can handle heat up to around 80°F, but ideally, it should be situated in an environment where the temperature ranges between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth.
PruningPrune the Spring Vetchling to remove spent flowers and encourage further blooming throughout the season. Pruning can also help maintain its shape and promote a bushier growth habit. Annual pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins, removing any dead or damaged stems.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSpring Vetch 'Rosenelfe' thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A balanced mix would be one part garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand.
RepottingSpring Vetch 'Rosenelfe' typically doesn't need frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. Assess the need to repot every 2-3 years or if the plant outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingSpring Vetch 'Rosenelfe' prefers moderate humidity levels, similar to typical outdoor conditions, making it adaptable to the average home environment without special humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Spring Vetch 'Rosenelfe' near a window with bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant Spring Vetch 'Rosenelfe' in partial shade to full sun in fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Spring Vetchling 'Rosenelfe', otherwise known as the Lathyrus vernus 'Rosenelfe', begins its life cycle as a seed, which once sown in fertile, well-drained soil, germinates in the cool temperatures of early spring. The plant quickly develops into a hardy perennial, with shoots emerging from the soil to form a compact bush of green foliage. In the springtime, typically from April to May, it produces attractive clusters of purple-pink pea-like flowers that add color to garden spaces. After flowering, the plant forms seed pods that eventually dry and release seeds for subsequent reproduction. During the summer, the foliage remains attractive, and then the plant enters a period of dormancy in the fall and winter months, retreating back to its root system. The Spring Vetchling 'Rosenelfe' requires minimal maintenance and will re-emerge the following spring, completing its annual life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: The Spring Vetchling, known scientifically as Lathyrus vernus 'Rosenelfe', is commonly propagated through seed sowing. This is the most popular method and is best done in the fall to allow for natural stratification during the winter months, which helps break the seed's dormancy. To propagate by seed, collect seeds from the plant once the pods have dried on the vine. Clean the seeds and sow them directly into a well-drained soil mix, placing them at a depth of around an inch (2.54 centimeters). Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and with the arrival of spring, the seeds should germinate once temperatures rise. Patience is key as germination can be slow and irregular.
