University
of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science
University
of Vermont Extension 
Lathyrus vernus ‘Rose Fairy’
(lath’ e-russ ver-nuss)
Common name: Perennial Sweet Pea, Spring Vetch
Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae), Pea
Height x width: 12-15" tall x 12-18" wide, bushy not vining
Growth rate: moderate
Foliage: leaves on sparsely-branched angular stems, with 2-3 pairs of leaflets per leaf, leaflets 1 ½-3" long, shiny light green; may die down later in season after flowering, or become yellowish and unattractive
Flowers: rosy red, ¾" long, 3-15 on short terminal or axillary racemes in early spring (April in northern New England), some may be hidden in foliage but they contrast well with foliage
Hardiness: zones 5 (4 with mulch or snow) to 7
Soil: most, well-drained, tolerates dry as it is deep-rooted, lime mixed into planting hole in acid soils may help
Light: sun preferred, part shade tolerant
Pests and problems: leaf diseases later in season
Landscape habit, uses: mid-front of borders (plant later bloomers in front to hide foliage in summer), containers, woodland edges
Other interest: excellent perennial for spring bloom before most others, especially in the north, underutilized; same genus as the annual sweet pea; species is native to Europe; genus name was the one used by the Greek Theoprastus meaning pea or pulse--the former from the fruit shape, the latter from the fact the seeds were used to stimulate or excite
Other culture: does not tolerate heat and humidity in south where it may be grown as an annual for spring bloom, or containers in spring
Propagation: division of rootstock after flowering, with at least one eye per division; soak seeds overnight in warm water prior to sowing; blooms one year from spring sowing
Sources: Sunny Border Nurseries, Kensington, CT (wholesale); check your local garden stores, and online catalogs as well
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