Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'America'
ABOUT
The plant known as sweet pea 'America' is admired for its striking and showy flowers. It features wavy petals that exhibit a prominent red and white striped pattern, resembling the streaked appearance of peppermint candy. These blooms are typically arranged in clusters, and each flower is characterized by a standard petal at the top, wings on the sides, and a keel at the bottom, bearing a close resemblance to a small butterfly in shape. Adding to its appeal is the delightful fragrance that these flowers emit, often described as rich and sweet, which has contributed to the sweet pea's popularity over the years. The plant has tendrils which it uses to climb and support itself against structures and other plants, giving it a twining and vining habit. The foliage consists of mid to dark green leaves that are pinnate, with leaflets arranged in pairs and a terminal tendril branching from the end. This appealing combination of the plant's fragrant, eye-catching blooms and its vibrant green foliage makes it a cherished choice for many gardeners looking to add both visual and olfactory interest to their gardens.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sweet Pea, Perennial Pea, Everlasting Pea, Peavine, Wild Peavine.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet Pea, specifically the variety Lathyrus odoratus 'America', contains amino acids such as beta-aminopropionitrile that can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. While occasional contact or ingestion of a few seeds is typically not harmful, significant consumption, particularly of the seeds, can result in a condition known as lathyrism. This condition is characterized by neurological symptoms that can include weakness, lethargy, and potentially paralysis, which is a result of disruption in collagen synthesis caused by the offending amino acids.
To pets
Sweet Pea, including the variety Lathyrus odoratus 'America', is toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. The plant contains compounds which, when ingested, can lead to lathyrism in animals. The symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, convulsions, and in severe cases, paralysis. The seeds are particularly toxic, and therefore animals should not be allowed to ingest any part of the plant. If a pet ingests sweet pea, it is important to seek veterinary care promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red-white
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Sweet Pea 'America' is prized for its striking red and white-striped flowers that add vibrant color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The flowers are known for their sweet, delightful scent, which can perfume an entire garden area.
- Attracts Pollinators: Sweet Peas attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, aiding in the pollination of garden plants.
- Versatility in Landscaping: This plant can be used in a range of garden designs, including borders, trellises, and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Fast Growth: Sweet Peas generally have a rapid growth rate, allowing gardeners to enjoy their flowers relatively quickly after planting.
- Psychological Benefits: The presence of flowering plants like Sweet Pea 'America' can contribute to improved mood and reduced stress levels for people who spend time in their vicinity.
- Seasonal Interest: They are typically grown as annuals and provide seasonal interest during their blooming period in the spring and summer.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The sweet pea, particularly 'America', can be used in flower photography due to its striking red and white striped petals, providing an attractive subject for both amateur and professional photographers.
- Dried sweet pea petals can be used in the creation of natural confetti for weddings or other celebrations, as they are biodegradable and less harmful to the environment.
- Sweet pea flowers can be used in the art of pressed flowers, where they are flattened and dried to be used in crafting, such as making bookmarks or decorating homemade greeting cards.
- Fragrance extraction from sweet pea flowers can be used to create scented oils or perfumes, though this is less common due to the difficulty in extracting the oils.
- In educational gardens, sweet pea 'America' can be used to teach students about Mendelian genetics and hybridization due to its distinctive coloration patterns.
- Sweet pea vines can be used in weaving small decorative items, such as baskets or wreaths, when dried and treated properly.
- The growing sweet pea 'America' can serve as a companion plant in gardens, helping reduce the presence of certain pests through intercropping.
- The flowers can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics or yarns, yielding subtle hues of pink or lavender depending on the mordant used.
- Culinary presentations can be enhanced with sweet pea flowers, as they can serve as an edible garnish, though it is important to ensure they have not been treated with any pesticides.
- The stems and tendrils of sweet pea plants can be creatively used in floral art installations to add intricate texture and depth to the compositions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sweet Pea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sweet Pea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Pleasure: The sweet pea, with its richly fragrant blooms, is often associated with pleasure and enjoying the delightful things in life.
- Goodbye: Given their fleeting nature, sweet peas can symbolize a farewell or the end of an era, embodying the idea of savoring beautiful moments before they pass.
- Blissful Pleasure: The intoxicating scent and the lush appearance of the sweet pea flowers convey a sense of deep enjoyment and contentment.
- Thank You for a Lovely Time: Sweet peas are a traditional gift for thanking someone and expressing gratitude for the pleasant moments spent together.
- Departure: Similar to saying goodbye, the sweet pea can represent the departure from one phase of life or a journey to a new beginning.
WaterThe Sweet Pea should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, particularly during dry spells. Typically, this means providing about one inch of water per week, either through rainfall or manual watering, which translates to approximately 0.6 gallons for a 10 square feet area. Overhead watering can promote disease, so it's better to water at the base of the plant early in the day. During particularly hot periods, you may need to water Sweet Peas more frequently to prevent wilting. Always check the top inch of soil before watering; if it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water.
LightSweet Pea thrives in full sun where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They perform best in a location that's bright and receives morning sunlight, which is less intense than the afternoon sun. They can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced. Avoid deeply shaded areas, as insufficient light can lead to poor growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureSweet Peas prefer cool to moderate temperatures and will flourish when daytime temperatures are between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 25 degrees Fahrenheit, but frosts and freezes can damage the plant. The maximum temperature Sweet Peas can generally handle is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit; higher temperatures can lead to reduced flowering.
PruningSweet Pea should be pruned to encourage bushier growth, more blooms, and to keep the plant looking tidy. Pinch out the tips when the plant has reached about 4 to 6 inches in height to promote branching. Regularly deadhead spent flowers to stimulate new blooms. The best time for heavier pruning is after the first flowering has finished.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet pea prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A good mix for sweet peas would include equal parts of loamy garden soil, compost, and well-rotted manure to provide nutrients. Before planting, incorporate a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support growth.
RepottingSweet peas typically do not require repotting as they are annuals. Plant seeds directly where they are to grow, as they have delicate roots and don't transplant well. For sweet peas being grown in containers, start with a suitably sized pot that will accommodate a season's growth.
Humidity & MistingSweet peas thrive in conditions with moderate humidity. Protect them from dry winds. It's not necessary to maintain specific humidity levels, but avoid overly arid conditions that can stress the plants and lead to poor flowering.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temperatures, and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, and vertical support for climbing.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Sweet Pea 'America' begins with seed germination, occurring in late winter or early spring, when soil temperatures rise and moisture is adequate. After germinating, the seedlings develop into young plants with distinct foliage, characterized by their climbing habit and paired, pinnate leaves. As the plants mature during spring and early summer, they produce flowering stems bearing colorful, fragrant flowers, commonly with red and white streaks. Upon pollination, typically by bees, the flowers develop into pods containing several seeds. Through late summer and early fall, these pods mature, eventually drying and releasing seeds to complete the reproductive cycle. The plant will die back with the first frosts if it is not perennial in the planting zone, and if not, it may regenerate the following spring either from self-sown seeds or new plantings.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Sweet Pea 'America' is commonly propagated through seeds, and the best time to start is in late winter to early spring, ensuring that the environment is free of frost. The temperature should optimally be around 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (12.8 to 18.3 degrees Celsius) for germination. To propagate, begin by soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer shell, which speeds up germination. Next, sow the seeds in small pots using a well-draining soil mixture, placing them about 1 inch (2.54 cm) deep. After sowing, keep the soil moist but not soaking wet, and place the pots in a bright area, avoiding direct sunlight until germination occurs. Once seedlings have established, they can be transplanted outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, spaced about 6 to 8 inches apart (15.24 to 20.32 cm) in a sunny location with some support for their tendrils to climb.
