Lathyrus: The Complete Guide

Description:

The fifth in the acclaimed series of RHS Horticultural Monographs, this volume reveals the fascinating horticulture, botany and history of the sweet pea and its many attractive relatives. Lathyrus is a genus for all gardeners, from the dainty woodland species of spring to the spectacular summer sweet peas - this book covers them all.

* All 150 species described in detail with 95 photographs, plus a key to aid identification

* More than 500 sweet pea cultivars and 25 other Lathyrus cultivars illustrated and fully described

* Detailed history of the introduction of the sweet pea and other Lathyrus into gardens

* An account of sweet pea breeders and how they developed the sweet pea into its many modern types

* The botany and classification of the genus, including its world distribution and habitats

* The history and crop uses of Lathyrus around the world

* A checklist of around 1,200 cultivar names, 700 scientific names and 400 raisers and nurseries

* Advice on cultivation and the best ways to use sweet peas and other Lathyrus in gardens