Spring vetchling Lathyrus vernus 'Spring Melody'
ABOUT
'Spring Melody' is a variety of the perennial plant known commonly as the spring vetchling or spring pea. It stands out for its enchanting flowers and foliage. The flowers are the most striking feature; they come in a blend of pink and purple hues, forming a beautiful, delicate bouquet that adds a splash of color to the garden in early spring. Each flower resembles those of the sweet pea, with a typical butterfly shape composed of a larger rounded standard petal at the back and smaller wing petals on the sides. The foliage of 'Spring Melody' presents a soft green background that contrasts superbly with the vibrant flowers. The leaves are compound, with multiple leaflets per leaf, arranged in pairs along a central stem. These leaflets are typically narrow and have a slightly oval shape, with a smooth and sometimes slightly shiny texture. This variety may also display new leaves with hints of bronze or red which then mature to the green coloration. As a bushy perennial, 'Spring Melody' produces a clumping effect with its stems and leaves, creating an attractive, lush mound. The overall impression is one of a compact and charming plant, capable of bringing life and color to a garden or landscape during its blooming season. Its flowers and foliage both contribute to its status as a desirable addition to any temperate garden aimed at providing early season interest.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Spring Vetchling, Spring Pea
Common names
Orobus vernus, Lathyrus vernus
ToxicityTo humans
The toxicity of spring vetch (Lathyrus vernus 'Spring Melody') to humans is present as it is a member of the genus Lathyrus, some species of which contain a neurotoxic amino acid known as ODAP (β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid) or BOAA (β-N-oxalylamino-L-alanine). Prolonged consumption can lead to lathyrism, a neurological disease that can cause paralysis and muscle wasting. However, incidental ingestion of small amounts rarely results in such severe symptoms. Symptoms of poisoning can also include abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is important to note that not all parts of the plant may contain the same levels of toxicity, and the severity of symptoms can vary based on the amount ingested.
To pets
Spring vetch (Lathyrus vernus 'Spring Melody') is also toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. As with humans, the plants in the Lathyrus genus can cause lathyrism in animals. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to paralysis, particularly in the hind legs, and can be fatal. It is important to keep pets away from this plant and to consult a veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Lathyrus vernus 'Spring Melody', commonly known as Spring Vetchling, produces vibrant, showy flowers that add a splash of color to any garden during its blooming season.
- Early Spring Bloomer: It's an early bloomer, providing welcome color in the garden when many other plants are just waking up from winter dormancy.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Spring Vetchling has good drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal pruning and care once settled into its location, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance options.
- Cold Hardy: Spring Vetchling is cold hardy and can survive in cooler climates, making it a versatile option for many temperate gardens.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Deer Resistant: Deer tend to avoid eating Spring Vetchling, making it a suitable choice for areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Ground Cover: Its growth habit makes it suitable for use as ground cover, which can help suppress weeds and stabilize soil.
- Ornamental Pods: After flowering, it produces ornamental seed pods that add interest to the garden even after the blooming season has ended.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The flowers of Spring vetchling can be used to produce a natural dye, which may yield unique and subtle color variations for textiles or crafts.
- In perfumery: While not commonly used, the subtle fragrance of Spring vetchling blossoms could potentially contribute to the bouquet of a wildflower perfume.
- Educational tool: This plant can serve as a learning specimen in botany classes to demonstrate plant growth, bloom phases, or the legume family characteristics.
- Photography subject: Due to its attractive late winter to early spring blooms, Spring vetchling can be an excellent subject for nature photographers and hobbyists.
- Erosion control: Being a member of the legume family, Spring vetchling can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in certain garden settings.
- Garden design: Used in color-themed gardens, its purple and blue flowers can contribute to a cool-toned color scheme during its bloom season.
- Bioindicator: In academic or ecological studies, Spring vetchling might be used as a bioindicator to assess the health of an ecosystem or soil quality.
- Art inspiration: Artists may draw inspiration from the shape and hues of its flowers, translating that into paintings, textiles, or decorative patterns.
- Children's activities: Spring vetchling can be used in children's educational gardening projects to teach them about the life cycle of plants.
- Companion planting: This plant could potentially be used to implement companion planting strategies in the garden to benefit other plants.
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- Renewal: As a herald of spring, Spring vetchling symbolizes the theme of renewal and rebirth, reflecting the awakening of nature after winter.
- Bliss: The vibrant flowers bring to mind the blissful feelings associated with the warmer and brighter days of spring.
- Youth: The early bloom of Spring vetchling signifies youth and the freshness of new beginnings.
- Change: Reflective of the changing seasons, this plant represents the inevitable shifts and transformations in life.
WaterFor Spring Vetch or Spring Pea, water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. During the active growing season in spring and early summer, water approximately once a week, depending on the weather, with about 1 inch (approximately 0.6 gallons) of water each time. Reduce watering frequency in the fall and winter when the plant's growth slows down, but do not let the soil dry out completely. Overhead watering is fine, but try to keep the foliage dry to prevent disease. If rainfall is adequate, additional watering may not be necessary.
LightSpring Vetch prefers partial shade to full sun. The optimal spot would be where it receives morning sunlight and is protected from the intense heat of the afternoon sun. A location with dappled shade throughout the day is also suitable. Avoid deep shade, as this can lead to poor flowering and leggy growth.
TemperatureSpring Vetch thrives in a temperature range of approximately 60°F to 75°F, which is ideal for its growth. It can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 85°F. However, consistently extreme temperatures outside of its comfort zone can lead to stress and damage to the plant.
PruningPrune Spring Vetch in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This helps to maintain its shape, encourage healthy new growth, and remove any dead or damaged stems. The best time for pruning is when the plant is still dormant, and stems can be cut back by about a third to promote a bushier plant.
CleaningNot needed
SoilSpring vetchling thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter and has a slight preference for neutral to slightly alkaline pH levels, ideally between 6.0 and 7.5. A good mix might include garden loam, compost, and a bit of sand or perlite to improve drainage.
RepottingSpring vetchling typically does not require frequent repotting as it is a perennial plant; however, it may be repotted every few years if the soil becomes exhausted or if the plant outgrows its container.
Humidity & MistingSpring vetchling prefers moderate humidity levels and does well in natural outdoor humidity; there is no need to artificially increase humidity for this plant when grown outside.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Choose partial shade, protect from hot afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleSpring Vetchling 'Spring Melody' begins its life as a seed, usually sown in the soil during autumn or winter. The cold stratification process helps to break seed dormancy, and with the arrival of spring, seeds germinate, sending up shoots that develop into true leaves. The plant's vegetative growth phase includes the expansion of foliage and the development of a sturdy root system. Following this period, Spring Vetchling enters the flowering stage, typically in early to late spring, where it produces purple-pink blossoms that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed pods that mature by late summer, at which point the plant seeds can be collected or left to self-sow. With the onset of autumn, the plant begins to die back, retreating into dormancy during the winter months, and the cycle repeats with the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Lathyrus vernus 'Spring Melody', commonly known as Spring Vetchling, is typically propagated by seed. The most popular method involves sowing the seeds directly in fall so that they can benefit from a period of cold stratification over winter which helps to break seed dormancy. To do this, the seeds should be sown about 1 inch deep in well-draining soil, spaced several inches apart to allow for growth. Once spring arrives and the temperatures warm up, germination will occur, and the seedlings can be thinned out as needed to provide sufficient space for further development. It's critical that the soil remains moist, but not waterlogged, to provide an optimal growing environment for the new plants.
