How To Grow Perennial Sweet Pea

Many gardeners grow sweet peas – aromatic annual vines with lovely varied colored blooms, but there is also a perennial sweet pea vine. Also referred to as everlasting sweet pea, this perennial pea vine is an old fashioned bloomer that will continue to reward you with color year after year. Interested in growing your own everlasting pea vine? Read on to learn all about a sweet pea vine perennial.

Perennial sweet pea (Lathyrus latifolius) is an herbaceous climbing vine that has been widely cultivated in North America since the early 1700’s. Over time it has become naturalized through most of the United States and Canada and can be found along roads, railroads, fields, fences, and other disturbed areas. It is deer resistant.

The plant has paired leaflets along a vine that either climbs support structures or rambles along the ground. The showy blossoms bloom in the early summer to fall (June through late September) in hues of rose, pinkish-purple or white. Unlike annual sweet peas, the blooms are not fragrant, however they do attract hummingbirds, butterflies and beneficial pollinators. Post bloom, the vine is covered with flat, pea-like seed pods.

Also known as wild sweet pea, this perennial spreads via underground rhizomes or self sows to an extent that it can be termed invasive. The seeds of this species are toxic to some extent.

Everlasting sweet pea is an easy to grow vine that has graced home gardens for centuries. Properly cared for, this is a long lasting perennial perfect for covering hillsides, unsightly structures or fencing.

Perennial sweet peas prefer full sun exposure but can be grown in partial sun.

Everlasting sweet peas are somewhat drought tolerant, though they prefer deep watering 2-3 times per week depending