Lathyrus Species, Everlasting Sweet Pea, Spring Pea, Spring Vetchling, Spring Vetch

On Jan 14, 2018, Soylent from Denver, CO wrote:

I noticed this plant growing in an old, neglected container in my neighborhood. Even in Denver, with less than 20" of rain a year (and much of that coming early in the season), this vine manages to produce flowers without any care.

Given that ability to survive, I am considering growing this from a container so it cannot spread. The flower has an appealing shape and color.

On May 21, 2015, wetdogfarm from Eveleth, MN (Zone 3a) wrote:

I acquired a plant of L.v. alboroseus from Arrowhead Alpines. It has survived two winters here, I am zone 3b. One winter was deep snow, the other was not. So far so good. It is in part shade in a spot where the snow melts late.

On Aug 9, 2008, plantaholic186 from Winnetka, IL wrote:

I must say, I must have the best L. vernus plants on the earth. They self seed and bloom in the second year. I have divided and transplanted them in the heat of August, and they don't even flag or drop leaves. My soil is predominantly clay, which means the top 5" or so dries up quickly, while below that the water might not drain for several days, and still the Lathyrus thrives! Next year I'll collect seeds and offer them here, since these plants are difficult to find in these parts.
Even though it blooms for only a couple of weeks, and is otherwise not spectacular, it is well worth trying.

Further comments: my Lathyrus is thriving in dry shade, wet shade, and full sun in wet and dry.

Warnings: It is a very prolific self-seeder, and the seedlings... read more are deep rooted and require a trowel to remove. Also, the rabbit that got stuck in my garden seemed to prefer them to other plants.

Still, one of my favorite perennials.

On May 14, 2008, altagardener from Calgary, AB (Zone 3b) wrote:

Lovely early spring bloomer, and hardy here in zone 3 (Calgary, Alberta, Canada).

On Mar 25, 2006, SW_gardener from (Zone 6a) wrote:

I bought this last summer and it was only a few leaves. A few of the leaves dired up due to dry soil, but it's sprouting up now and from what I can tell from the tiny shoots.....it's coming back well. I look forward to seeing it bloom!

On Dec 9, 2004, Todd_Boland from St. John's, NL (Zone 5b) wrote:

What a great plant in mid-late spring. This little pea forms a bush to about 12-15" and is smothered in pink flowers. It does have a tendency to self-seed, so I promtly dead-head after the blooms have faded. It sprouts as soon as the snow melts but seems to be able to cope with spring frosts. I grow it in the rock garden, but in the wild, it often grows in lightly shaded woodlands, so could be used in such a location. Easy from seed but resents transplanting once established.