Lathyrus roseus, Spring Vetchling rock garden Mature size: 1-2 ft tall

Mature size: 1-2 ft tall and wide

but the flowers are a lovely light violet-blue ruffled crown above the spiky leaves

Loose basal rosettes emerge first and then project sturdy flower stalks that invite close inspection

Be warned that this beauty can be a destructive beast if not given strong enough structure to hold its ultimately large size

Lathyrus roseus, Spring Vetchling rock garden Mature size: 1-2 ft tallIn June and July, these winged pea blossoms begin red, turning violet, then blue, then into a black seed (which is toxic). Its (self supporting) foliage becomes black just prior to its wintertime demise and is the reason for the species name of this native European. But, of course, it is perennial and you can expect a resurrection the next spring. Sie: Bushy, 18"3' T x 2' W. Minimum temperature: 20 F