Lathyrus
Lathyrus spp.
Special Features
Produces fragrant, colorful flowers on climbing vines. Ideal for trellises and fences, adds vertical interest and sweet scent to gardens.
Plant Specifications
Our team will help you integrate this plant into your landscape design
Growing Lathyrus on Martha's Vineyard
Lathyrus vernus, the spring vetchling, is a compact, clump-forming perennial that brings brilliant early-season color to Martha's Vineyard gardens, flowering in a rich rosy-purple in April and May before most other perennials have fully emerged. It thrives in well-drained, partially shaded to sunny borders and is notably tolerant of the island's sandy, lean soils, requiring little fertilization to maintain a healthy compact habit. Sited on the sheltered borders of properties in Edgartown and Vineyard Haven, it withstands moderate coastal wind exposure without lodging or requiring staking.
Deer resistance is good, consistent with most members of the legume family. Estate Care professionals value it as an early-season focal point in mixed perennial borders where it partners naturally with spring bulbs and emerging foliage of later-blooming companions.
