Yellow Pea.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Perennial herb

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

direct

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

15cm height, 45cm spread

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 8 to 10

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Care

Plant this in well draining soil to prevent root rot. Keep an eye out for aphids during the spring growth spurt. It prefers minimal disturbance once established in its permanent spot.

Watering

Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings.

Feeding

Use a light, balanced fertilizer once during the spring.

Pruning

Trim back lightly after flowering to encourage a tidy shape.

Repotting

Repot only when the plant becomes root bound.

Soil

Sandy, rocky, or well draining loam

Soil pH

Neutral to slightly alkaline

Temperature

-5 to 35°C

Humidity

20 to 50%

Drought tolerance

high

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 3 to 7 years.

Deer and rabbits

moderate

Safety

People

The plant contains compounds that can be harmful if ingested in significant quantities.

Pets

This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

Keep this plant away from small children due to the potential toxicity of its seeds and foliage.

Contact allergens

No specific skin irritation is widely reported, but handle with care as with all wild legumes.

Airborne allergens

Pollen may cause mild reactions in sensitive individuals during the blooming season.

Edibility

This plant is not considered edible and may contain toxic alkaloids common in the genus.

How to identify it

• Small, bright yellow pea-like flowers
• Compound leaves with small leaflets
• Low growing, spreading habit
• Drought tolerant, hairy foliage

Height

0.05 to 0.15m

Spread

0.2 to 0.45m

Leaves

green, evergreen

Flowers

yellow, 1 to 2cm

Common problems

• Root rot — This occurs if the soil remains too wet for extended periods.
• Aphids — Small insects may cluster on tender new growth during the spring.

Growing it

Propagation

seed, cuttings

When to plant

spring, autumn

Overwintering

Keep the plant dry during the winter months to prevent root rot. Ensure it is protected from excessive freezing rain.

In containers

It grows well in deep, well draining terracotta pots that allow for excellent airflow.

Pair it with other drought tolerant, sun loving Mediterranean plants to ensure all species thrive together.

Grows well with

• Lavender — They share similar requirements for full sun and excellent drainage.
• Thyme — This low growing herb acts as a great ground cover alongside it.

Keep away from

• Hostas — Hostas require too much moisture and shade compared to this plant.

Similar species

• Bird's foot trefoil — It is a more common relative with a similar growth habit and flower structure.

Science

Native range

Mediterranean region, specifically rocky coastal areas.

Conservation

This species is considered rare and should never be collected from the wild.

It survives by fixing nitrogen in nutrient poor soils, allowing it to colonize harsh, rocky environments.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Uses

rock garden specimen, native plant restoration

Questions people ask

Is it easy to grow?

It requires very specific drainage and light conditions to thrive.

Does it need fertilizer?

No, it prefers lean, nutrient poor soil.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Lotus comes from the Greek word for a variety of fodder plants, while the species name ceroides refers to its waxy appearance.

Good to know

• It belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae.
• The flowers are typically a soft, creamy yellow.
• It is highly adapted to poor, rocky soils.