Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Cream Pea Plant Care
Lathyrus ochroleucus Hook.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's striking pale green leaves with silver markings are a standout feature. Originating from North America, Lathyrus ochroleucus is sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and delicate white flowers. Its elegant appearance adds a touch of sophistication to any garden or collection.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cream Pea?
Water Cream Pea every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Cream Pea Native To?
What Is the Cream Pea?
Cream Pea (Lathyrus ochroleucus) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Lathyrus genus. Cream Pea is native to the northern United States and Canada. Cream Pea is also known as Pale Yellow Pea.
Cream Pea displays a climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Cream Pea produces colorful pea-like flowers in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cream Pea?
Lathyrus ochroleucus requires watering every 4–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Cream Pea Need?
Cream Pea thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cream Pea Prefer?
Lathyrus ochroleucus grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Cream Pea prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cream Pea?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Cream Pea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cream Pea?
Feed Cream Pea every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Cream Pea?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Cream Pea?
Cream Pea can be propagated through seeds, division of rootball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to golden sweet pea plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cream Pea Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cream Pea, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Cream Pea?
Cream Pea is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Cream Pea Need?
Cream Pea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a – 7b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Cream Pea is native to the northern United States and Canada. In cooler regions, grow Cream Pea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a – 7b
Keep exploring plants
Cream Pea is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Lathyrus genus — compare its care with other Lathyrus species on PlantoScan.
Lathyrus is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Cream Pea thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Lathyrus Species
Other Lathyrus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lathyrus ochroleucus Hook., family Fabaceae (first published in Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 159 (1831)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cream Pea, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a – 7b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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