Description Known as perennial peavine, perennial pea, broad-leaved everlasting-pea, or simply sweet pea, Lathyrus latifolius is a vigorous climbing garden plant belonging to the pea family (Fabaceae). This perennial sweet pea thrives best in full sun and well-drained soil types, making it perfect for a sunny wall, trellis, or the back of a border. It grows quickly from ground level to reach heights of up to 2 metres, with winged flowering stems that produce gorgeous pink pea flowers in mid to late summer. A favourite among pollinators, bumblebees and butterflies visit the flowers for their nectar, helping support local biodiversity. The flower stems are excellent for cut flowers, providing long-lasting colour and natural beauty indoors. Lathyrus latifolius is tolerant of disturbed soil and waste ground, adapting well to a range of soil drainage conditions, but best performance is in fertile, moist but well-drained soils. Whether grown from packets of seeds or potted plants, this climbing perennial sweet pea adds striking vertical interest and vibrant colour to any garden space. From sunny garden walls to borders and naturalised sites, it is a low-maintenance, reliable choice that brings the classic charm and fragrance of the everlasting pea family year after year.
