Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Lathyrus vernus
Spring Pea
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Height
- 12 to 18 in
- Width
- 12 to 18 in
- Flower color
- Deep purple to violet, often fading to blue tones with age
- Foliage color
- Medium green, compound leaves with oval leaflets that emerge bronzy and mature green
- Bloom time
- Early to mid spring
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun
- Water
- Moderate moisture
- Maintenance
- Low, remove spent flower stems if desired, allow foliage to remain until it naturally dies back
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 8
- Wildlife
- Bees, early-season pollinators
About this plant
Lathyrus vernus produces upright clusters of pea-shaped flowers that open in shades of violet-purple and gradually soften to blue as they mature. The blossoms are held above tidy stems lined with paired, oval leaflets that emerge with a fresh green tone and form a neat, bushy clump with a refined woodland character.
Blooming in mid to late spring, this perennial is native to central and eastern Europe. It fits naturally into woodland gardens, shaded borders, and spring plantings, where its early flowers provide color between bulbs and later perennials while maintaining an orderly presence throughout the growing season.
Works well in
Woodland Gardens · Under Trees · Pollinator Gardens · Borders
Companion plants
Cyclamen · Pieris · Brunneras · Blechnums · Acorus · Hellebores
Design tip
Plant this refined spring bloomer in generous drifts beneath deciduous trees where its flowers can bridge the transition from bulbs to summer perennials. Combine layered foliage, evergreen structure, and contrasting textures to create a woodland planting with graceful rhythm and lasting visual interest.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Heronswood Garden.
