Lathyrus vernus ‘Dark Pink'

Spring Vetchling Fabaceae

A beautifully mannered woodland pea that dispenses with the usual pea-family tendency to scramble everywhere, Lathyrus vernus ‘Dark Pink’ forms a neat, slowly expanding clump of fresh green, pinnate foliage and produces its flowers surprisingly early in the year. In spring, the upright stems are topped with rich, dark pink to wine-pink pea-shaped flowers, often opening in clusters that stand particularly well against the emerging woodland foliage.

Unlike the familiar sweet pea, this is a non-climbing, herbaceous perennial, making it an excellent choice for the front of a shady border, woodland garden or naturalistic planting. The flowers are attractive to early pollinating insects, arriving when relatively few woodland perennials are in full display.

Grow in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil, preferably in partial shade or dappled woodland light. Once established, it is remarkably long-lived and requires little attention—one of those plants that quietly becomes better with every passing spring.

Height: 30–45cm
Spread: 30–45cm
Flowering: March–May
Hardiness: H7, below -20°C
Position: Partial shade to shade
Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil