Lathyrus aphaca
Lathyrus aphaca · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant lathyrus aphaca: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Fabaceae (legumes)
- Form
- Annual herbaceous plant
- Flowering
- Spring to early summer (April-July)
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm tall
- Foliage
- Deciduous, reduced (photosynthetic tendrils)
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Not very hardy, prefers temperate climate
- Origin
- Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia
Care
Light exposure
Place your leafless pea in full sun to encourage generous flowering. It tolerates partial shade but produces fewer flowers. Avoid areas that are too hot and dry in Mediterranean climates without regular watering.
Soil and planting
Leafless pea prefers well-draining, light, and rather poor soil. It adapts to chalky soils and tolerates somewhat dry soil once established. A compost application at planting is sufficient; it dislikes excess organic matter.
Watering
Water moderately at planting and during long dry periods. Once established, this plant resists drought well thanks to its deep root system. In humid climates, limit watering to prevent fungal diseases.
Pruning and training
Pinch young plants lightly to encourage bushier branching. No heavy pruning is needed. You can let the plant reseed naturally or remove it at season's end if you wish to control its spread.
Fertilization
No fertilizer is needed: like all legumes, leafless pea fixes atmospheric nitrogen. Excess fertilizer would promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and pests
Leafless pea is generally robust. Watch for aphids early in the season and fungal diseases in case of excessive moisture. Good drainage and air circulation greatly reduce risks.
Did you know?
Leafless pea owes its scientific name 'aphaca' to the near-total absence of true leaves: it's the petioles and stipules that have transformed into photosynthetic tendrils to reduce evaporation in dry climates. It's a fascinating botanical adaptation, visible to the naked eye, that allows it to survive in the arid environments of its Mediterranean homeland.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Chinese wisteriaWisteria sinensis
- Common broomCytisus scoparius
- Black locustRobinia pseudoacacia
- Common PeaLathyrus oleraceus
- Honey locustGleditsia triacanthos
- Hairy greenweedGenista pilosa
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.