Two-flowered Everlasting Pea Lathyrus grandiflorus
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as the two-flowered everlasting pea presents a striking appearance with its showy flowers that are a defining feature. These blossoms are notable for their large size and come in a vibrant hue that often ranges from deep pink to purplish-red, contributing to the plant's ornamental appeal. Each flower typically boasts a standard, wings, and keel, which are common attributes in flowers of the pea family. The petals are broad and slightly curved, giving them a graceful, butterfly-like appearance. As this plant flourishes, it produces a green, leafy stem that is adorned with a series of alternating leaves. The leaves are structured as leaflets, which are arrangements of smaller leaf-like structures. These leaflets are generally oval or lance-shaped, with a pointed tip and a smooth, slightly shiny surface. They are borne on stalks that are attached to the main stem of the plant. Twining tendrils emerge at the end of the leaf stalks, which the plant uses to climb and support itself as it grows. This climbing habit allows the two-flowered everlasting pea to intertwine with other plants and structures, adding to its charm when used in garden designs. The two-flowered everlasting pea also develops seed pods after the flowering period has concluded. These pods are a typical feature of the pea family and contain several seeds that allow for the propagation of new plants. Overall, the two-flowered everlasting pea is prized for its attractive and colorful flowers and its ability to add height and dimension to garden spaces through its climbing nature, making it a favored choice among gardeners who seek to incorporate vertical elements and vibrant blooms into their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
Two-Flowered Everlasting Pea, Everlasting Pea, Large Everlasting Pea, Sweet Pea, Two-Flowered Pea.
Common names
Orobus grandiflorus, Lathyrus latifolius var. magnificus, Lathyrus latifolius var. grandiflorus, Lathyrus magnificus, Lathyrus grandiflorus var. rubriflorus.
ToxicityTo humans
The Lathyrus grandiflorus, commonly known as the Two-flowered Everlasting Pea, contains a compound called beta-aminopropionitrile that can cause toxicity if ingested in large quantities. Although ornamental sweet pea plants are often not considered as toxic to humans as their relatives that produce edible peas, they can still pose risks. Symptoms of poisoning may include lethargy, convulsions, and difficulty walking due to neuromuscular disturbances. Ingestion of large amounts might lead to a condition known as lathyrism, which is characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis, although such cases are most commonly associated with other species of Lathyrus like Lathyrus sativus.
To pets
The Two-flowered Everlasting Pea, or Lathyrus grandiflorus, is toxic to pets if ingested. The toxic principle in this plant, as with other Lathyrus species, can lead to a condition called lathyrism, which affects the neuromuscular system. Signs of toxicity in pets may include weakness, lethargy, convulsions, and difficulty moving. Larger quantities of the plant must typically be consumed for severe symptoms to appear, but pet owners should nonetheless prevent pets from ingesting any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Lathyrus grandiflorus, also known as Sweet Pea, adds beauty to gardens with its vibrant and large pea-like flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: It is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, thus playing a role in the pollination of nearby plants.
- Nitrogen Fixation: As a member of the legume family, Sweet Pea is capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, thereby improving soil fertility.
- Climbing Habit: With its tendrils, Sweet Pea can climb over structures, providing a natural and attractive covering over fences, trellises, and walls.
- Easy Propagation: The plant can be easily propagated from seeds, making it convenient for gardeners to grow and maintain.
- Varied Cultivars: Sweet Pea comes in a variety of cultivars with different colors and forms, providing options to satisfy personal preferences and complement other plants in the garden.
- Aromatic Flowers: The blooms of Sweet Pea are often fragrant, adding a pleasing scent to the area where they are planted.
- Cut Flowers: The long stems and attractive flowers of Sweet Pea make it suitable for use in cut flower arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lathyrus grandiflorus, commonly known as the Two-flowered Everlasting Pea, can be used in garden design for vertical interest as they readily climb trellises and supports.
- The tendrils of the Two-flowered Everlasting Pea can be a natural support for other plants in a mixed border that may need a little assistance staying upright.
- The plant's dense foliage provides a lush backdrop in floral arrangements when cut while in its vegetative, non-flowering state.
- As part of a wildlife garden, the Two-flowered Everlasting Pea can offer habitat and shelter for small beneficial insects and pollinators.
- The long stems and flowers of the plant can be used in the craft of basketry and weaving, though primarily for decorative purposes due to their fragility.
- Seed pods from the Two-flowered Everlasting Pea, once dried, can be used in rattles or as a part of educational activities for children about plant life cycles.
- With its attractive blooms, the plant is often used in photography and painting as a subject to capture the essence of a cottage garden or springtime.
- The Two-flowered Everlasting Pea can serve as a cover crop in gardens, adding nitrogen to the soil and improving its fertility.
- Due to its vigorous growth, the plant can be used in erosion control to help stabilize soil on slopes and banks.
- In a sensory garden, the Two-flowered Everlasting Pea's textured leaves and stems provide a tactile experience for visitors.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sweet Pea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sweet Pea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Ephemeral beauty: Lathyrus grandiflorus, commonly known as the Two-flowered Everlasting Pea, displays stunning but short-lived flowers, representing the fleeting nature of beauty and joy.
- Enduring Love: As a member of the pea family, this plant's ability to cling to structures symbolizes the strength and endurance of affection in a relationship.
- Inspiration and Bliss: The vivid colors and gentle appearance of the Two-flowered Everlasting Pea evoke a sense of inspiration and pure delight.
- Pleasure and Happiness: Its bright flowers are often associated with the lighter, more joyful side of life, reminding gardeners and viewers alike to savor happy moments.
WaterThe Sweet Pea, known scientifically as Lathyrus grandiflorus, should be watered thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the active growing season in spring and summer, Sweet Peas prefer consistent moisture, which often means watering once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Each watering should be deep enough to saturate the root zone, which may require approximately 1 gallon of water per plant, especially in dry spells. During the cooler months, water less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions.
LightSweet Peas thrive in full sun which means they require at least six or more hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. The best spot for a Sweet Pea plant is in a location where it is exposed to morning sunlight and protected from the harsh afternoon sun, although it can still perform well in a location with all-day sun exposure.
TemperatureSweet Peas are best suited to cooler temperatures, performing well in conditions where daytime temperatures are between 55°F and 65°F. They can tolerate temperatures down to 25°F but may be damaged by hard freezes. The maximum temperature Sweet Peas can endure is around 75°F before they start to decline, so this plant prefers the cooler days of late spring and early fall.
PruningPruning Sweet Peas encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch off the tips of the plants when they are 4 to 6 inches tall to stimulate branching. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers before they set seed, will also promote continued blooming. Pruning is best done during the cooler part of the day, and regular deadheading can be done throughout the blooming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Two-flowered Everlasting Pea, a well-draining soil mix with plenty of organic matter is ideal. A pH range between 6.0 and 7.5 suits this plant best. Amend garden soil with compost or a mixture of peat, perlite, and garden soil to improve nutrients and drainage.
RepottingTwo-flowered Everlasting Pea should be repotted every 1-2 years. Young plants grow rapidly and require frequent repotting, whereas mature plants can be repotted less often. Always use fresh soil and a larger pot to accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingTwo-flowered Everlasting Pea thrives in average humidity levels but can tolerate a range. It does not require any special humidity conditions and is fairly adaptable to typical outdoor conditions provided it is not too arid.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Two-flowered Everlasting Pea in bright light, avoid drying heat.
Outdoor
Plant in sun or part-shade; provide trellis for climbing.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleLathyrus grandiflorus, commonly known as the two-flowered everlasting pea, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in spring, given moist soil conditions and sufficient warmth. The seedlings grow rapidly, developing a robust root system and climbing stems with the help of tendrils. Throughout spring and summer, the plant produces large, showy flowers, usually red, pink, or purple, which are pollinated by insects. Following pollination, the flowers develop into pods containing seeds, which mature by late summer or early fall. The pods eventually dry and release their seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. In colder climates, Lathyrus grandiflorus dies back to the ground in winter, but the perennial root system allows the plant to regrow the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagating the sweet pea (Lathyrus grandiflorus) is through seed sowing. Sweet peas are best sown during spring, once the soil has warmed and any danger of frost has passed. The process starts with soaking the seeds in water for about 24 hours to soften the outer seed coat, which can improve germination rates. After soaking, the seeds are generally sown about an inch deep (2.54 cm) directly into well-draining soil, spaced a few inches apart to allow room for growth. It's essential to provide support for the climber as it grows, so placing a trellis or stakes nearby at the time of planting is crucial. Keep the soil moist but not saturated, and germination should occur within 10 to 28 days, depending on the soil temperature and conditions. Sweet peas prefer a sunny spot and regular watering, especially as they start to climb and bloom.
