Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Ballerina Blue'
ABOUT
Lathyrus odoratus 'Ballerina Blue', commonly known as sweet pea, is a charming flowering plant known for its beautiful and showy blooms. The 'Ballerina Blue' variety boasts exquisite flowers in a captivating shade of deep lavender-blue, which creates an enchanting visual against the plant's backdrop of green foliage. The flowers possess a delicate, ruffled appearance, giving them an almost balletic poise as if they are dancers twirling in the air. Each bloom is composed of multiple petals, with a typical sweet pea flower featuring a large, upright 'standard' petal at the back and smaller 'wing' petals on the sides, surrounding a central, keel-like petal. These flowers exude a delightful fragrance that is both sweet and penetrating, enhancing their allure and making them a favorite for gardeners who desire to add a sensory experience to their garden. The leaves of the sweet pea are pinnate, which means they consist of leaflets arranged on either side of a central stem, culminating in a tendril at the tip. These tendrils enable the sweet pea to climb and support itself on structures, potentially creating a visually stunning effect when draped over trellises, fences, or other supports. The foliage is generally a medium green color, which contrasts nicely with the vivid blue of the flowers and adds further depth and texture to the overall appearance of the plant. Overall, 'Ballerina Blue' sweet pea is known for its striking flowers, a proliferation of vibrant blooms, and the ability to add both color and fragrance to gardens, all of which contribute to its popularity as a garden ornamental.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Peavine.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus 'Ballerina Blue'.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus 'Ballerina Blue') is not considered highly toxic to humans, but it can cause mild to moderate symptoms if ingested. All parts of the plant contain aminopropionitrile, which can lead to a condition known as lathyrism if consumed in large amounts over time. Lathyrism is characterized by neurological and musculoskeletal symptoms such as weakness, lethargy, and even paralysis. Convulsions and respiratory difficulty are also possible in severe cases. It's important to note that simply touching the plant is not harmful; the symptoms arise from ingestion of its seeds or other parts.
To pets
Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus 'Ballerina Blue') is toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Ingestion of any part of the plant, particularly the seeds, can lead to symptoms of lathyrism. In pets, this toxicity can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly seizures if consumed in large amounts. Chronic ingestion can result in more serious conditions such as tremors, lethargy, and convulsions. In severe cases, lathyrism can lead to paralysis and even death. Pet owners should avoid allowing their pets access to sweet peas to prevent any risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Lathyrus odoratus 'Ballerina Blue', commonly known as sweet pea, has attractive blue-violet flowers that add vibrant color and beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: Sweet peas are known for their delightful scent, which can enhance the sensory experience of a garden or indoor setting when used as cut flowers.
- Edible Flowers: Although not commonly consumed, sweet pea flowers are edible and can be used as a garnish or in salads for an aesthetic touch.
- Pollinator Attraction: The sweet pea flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are important pollinators contributing to the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Easy Cultivation: Sweet peas are relatively easy to grow from seed, making them accessible to gardeners of various skill levels.
- Climbing Habit: With their climbing nature, sweet peas can be used to cover trellises, fences, and other structures, providing vertical interest in the garden space.
- Seasonal Color: Sweet peas bloom in the spring and early summer, offering an early splash of color when many other plants are just beginning to emerge.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Perfumery: The sweet pea's fragrant flowers can be used in the creation of natural perfumes or to provide scent to homemade potpourris.
- Educational Purpose: Sweet pea's growing pattern and genetics make it an excellent subject for biology students studying inheritance and genetics, as it was for the famous monk and geneticist Gregor Mendel.
- Biodegradable Confetti: Dried sweet pea petals can serve as a biodegradable alternative to traditional paper confetti at events like weddings.
- Floral Crafts: Sweet pea flowers can be used to make floral crowns, boutonnieres, and other decorative crafts due to their color and form.
- Dye Production: The petals of sweet pea flowers can be used to produce natural dyes for coloring fabrics or art materials.
- Culinary Garnish: Though the plant is not edible, the flowers can be used as a colorful, non-toxic garnish for plating and presentation in culinary dishes.
- Artistic Inspiration: The beauty of sweet peas can inspire artists and photographers, making the flowers a favorite subject for paintings and photographic art.
- Seed Crafts: The hard seeds of sweet peas can be used in creating jewelry, such as necklaces and bracelets, or other types of seed art.
- Decorative Containers: When grown in decorative pots, sweet peas can enhance the aesthetic appeal of balconies, patios, or indoor spaces.
- Memory or Cognitive Exercises: The strong fragrance of sweet pea flowers can be utilized in scent-based memory or cognitive exercises used in some therapeutic practices.
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- Delicate Pleasures: Sweet Pea, particularly the 'Ballerina Blue' variety, symbolizes delicate pleasures or enjoyment of the finer things in life, reflecting its dainty appearance and sweet fragrance.
- Goodbye and Departure: In the language of flowers, sweet pea can signify a fond farewell or goodbye, often used to wish someone good luck on a new journey.
- Blissful Pleasure: Sweet Peas are associated with blissful pleasure, suggesting a deep appreciation for joyful moments and sensory experiences.
- Thankfulness: Gifting Sweet Peas can express gratitude, symbolizing thanks for a lovely time or for someone's presence in your life.
- Delicate Bliss: The 'Ballerina Blue' cultivar, with its graceful form and hue, may emphasize the elegance and subtlety of contentment and happiness.
WaterSweet peas, including 'Ballerina Blue', prefer evenly moist soil, especially during the growing season. It's advisable to water them with about 1 gallon per plant per week, making sure to soak the soil thoroughly but avoiding waterlogging. During particularly hot or dry periods, water twice a week to maintain moisture levels, making sure not to wet the foliage to prevent fungal diseases. Reduce watering frequency once the plant is well established but monitor the soil moisture regularly. Over-watering can be just as harmful as under-watering, so adjust according to the weather conditions and the soil's ability to retain moisture.
LightSweet peas thrive in full sun to partial shade. 'Ballerina Blue' should be planted in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Morning sun is particularly beneficial, providing the light needed without the intense heat of the afternoon sun which can sometimes be too harsh. Ensure that the plant is positioned in a bright, airy location for optimal growth and flower production.
TemperatureSweet peas, like 'Ballerina Blue', perform well in cooler temperatures. They can tolerate a temperature range from approximately 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They are hardy to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit, but they will not survive sustained periods of extreme cold or frost. The ideal growing condition for 'Ballerina Blue' is in cool, spring-like temperatures, as extreme heat can inhibit flowering.
PruningPruning sweet peas like 'Ballerina Blue' is essential for prolonging the flowering period and encouraging more blooms. Regularly deadhead spent flowers and trim back any overgrown tendrils to maintain a bushy form. Pruning is best done during the cooler parts of the day and typically once a week to encourage new growth. The best time to start pruning sweet peas is when they reach about 6 inches in height, encouraging them to become bushy and produce more lateral stems for flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet peas thrive in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The best soil mix is one-part compost or well-rotted manure, one part garden soil, and one part sharp sand or perlite to improve drainage.
RepottingSweet peas, being annuals, don't typically require repotting. They should be sown in situ or started in biodegradable pots to avoid transplant shock, as they do not respond well to repotting.
Humidity & MistingSweet peas prefer moderate to high humidity levels but are adaptable to most common garden environments as long as they are watered regularly and the soil is kept moist.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and moist, rich soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, provide support for climbing, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleSweet pea 'Ballerina Blue' begins its life as a seed, typically planted in late winter or spring after the last frost has passed. Upon germination, the plant sends up a shoot and develops a root system. The shoot grows into a climbing vine, which will require support, and also develops leaves. As the plant matures, it produces distinctive, fragrant blue-purple flowers from early summer to fall, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers set seed pods, which mature and eventually release seeds when the pods dry and crack open. The plant then completes its life cycle, with seeds ready to start the process anew or the plant dying back if it is being cultivated as an annual.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Lathyrus odoratus 'Ballerina Blue', commonly known as Sweet Pea, is most frequently propagated by seed. The best time to sow Sweet Pea seeds is in late winter or early spring, aiming for a period when the soil can be worked but is not too waterlogged or frozen, which typically means when soil temperatures reach around 55°F (about 13°C). To propagate, seeds are often nicked with a file or soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the hard seed coat, promoting germination. Plant the seeds about an inch deep (2.5 cm) in well-draining soil and space them approximately 2 to 3 inches apart (5-7.5 cm). Seeds usually germinate within 10 to 21 days. Once germinated and after the seedlings have developed a set of true leaves, they can be thinned or transplanted to their final growing positions, ensuring they have support for their climbing habit. It is important to protect young seedlings from slugs and to provide adequate water during their early growth stages.
