Lathyrus odoratus Everlasting - Sweet Pea Seeds

Everlasting sweat pea also called Lathyrus latifoliuis or Perennial Pea, is an easy-to-grow, robust, hardy perennial plant that climbs frames by means of a few twining tendrils. Its papilionaceous flowers are quite large and are of a purple-pink or white hue. This plant bears them in large numbers throughout the whole summer. It is a drought-resistant plant that thrives in sunny spots in fertile, well-drained soil.   

Perennial pea is a plant of the pea family Fabaceae, native to southern regions of Europe where it grows in sunny wastelands on rather calcareous soil. The stems grow rapidly and develop tendrils that cling all on their own, to the frame provided at the time of sowing. This plant develops from a large fleshy root and easily reaches 2 m in a few months. Flowering takes place from July to September if water is not lacking. Its 2 to 3 cm long, papilionaceous flowers are grouped in axillary clusters of 10 to 15 flowers. It is an excellent cut flower. In the right conditions, Perennial peas are so vigorous that they self-seed freely, sometimes becoming invasive. 

This charming plant has several interesting qualities: crisp blue foliage, small clusters of curled buds and finally, the bright freshness of its pink flowers. It is best planted in warm, sunny locations in well-drained, even stony soil. It is a perfect plant to quickly adorn a brand new garden, a slightly wilder area, the sometimes sad-looking branches of conifers or spring flowering shrubs fading out of bloom. Easy to grow, the large seeds of Lathyrus latifolius are easy to handle and can easily be sown by children. This perennial pea is ideal for covering trellises, screens and even pots on the terrace with flowers throughout the summer. This pea is an aerial wanderer with a formidable root system. If it takes up residence in the garden, it will multiply, sprawl and scramble up other perennials without suffocating them. Used in bouquets, it stays beautiful for several days. The buds open in very refined, rose-grey blooms that go well with a few spikes of Buddleia which bring the fragrance they lack.