Description
If you’re looking for an uncommon perennial to complement daffodils, hellebores, epimediums, and other early bloomers in your borders and woodland gardens, give spring vetchling (Lathyrus vernus) a try. It reaches about 1 foot tall, flowering in early to mid spring and then expanding its leaves to form a clump of deep green foliage. It might die back to the ground in summer, or it may remain a nice leafy clump if the summer isn’t too hot or dry. I collected these seeds from several different plants: species plants with pinkish purple flowers (as shown in the first photo here); some with softer pink flowers (L. vernus f. roseus or ‘Alboroseus’)—see the second photo; and narrow-leaved plants with purplish pink, pink, or blue flowers (usually known as ‘Filifolius’, ‘Filicifolius’, ‘Gracilis’, or “Narrow Leaf Form”). The seedlings will likely have a range of flower colors and leaf traits. Light to full shade is usually best; in cooler areas, it can grow in full sun. Perennial; Zones 5 to 9.
Collected in early June 2023. At least 15 seeds per packet. Shipping to US addresses only.
Please read the germination information as well before ordering.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
You have to watch these carefully. I did not and lost the seedlings, but it was a good lesson and I’ll do it correctly next time.