Lathyrus odoratus 'Bobby's Girl'
ABOUT
Lathyrus odoratus 'Bobby's Girl', commonly known as sweet pea, is characterized by its delicate and attractive appearance. This variety typically bears blooms that are noted for their vibrant coloration and enchanting fragrance. The flowers are shaped like butterflies, with a unique structure featuring an upper banner or standard petal, two lateral wings, and a keel formed by two fused petals at the bottom. The blossoms come in a charming shade, which may include pastel tones, though the exact color is not specified. These flowers are typically arranged in clusters, adding to the visual impact of the plant. The foliage of the sweet pea is comprised of slender green leaves, which are paired with tendrils that the plant uses to climb and support itself. These leaves and tendrils contribute to the overall feathery and light texture of the plant, giving it an airy and graceful posture. As for the stems, they are slender and green, often intertwining and supporting the delicate flowers and foliage. The entire plant exudes an aura of traditional cottage-garden charm and is favored for its ornamental value in gardens and floral arrangements. Overall, Lathyrus odoratus 'Bobby's Girl' is admired for both its stunning visual appearance and the pleasant scent of its flowers.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Sweetpea, Garden Pea, Eternal Pea, Perennial Pea
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus 'Bobby's Girl'.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet Pea, which includes the variety 'Bobby's Girl', has seeds that contain toxic chemicals known as aminopropionitriles, which can cause a condition called lathyrism if ingested in large quantities. Lathyrism is characterized by neurological symptoms that may include lethargy, convulsions, and paralysis. Chronic ingestion can lead to more severe symptoms, like skeletal deformities and paralysis. It is rare for poisoning to occur from casual handling or ingestion of small amounts, but care should be taken to ensure that seeds are not ingested, especially by children.
To pets
Sweet Pea plants, specifically the variety 'Bobby's Girl', are also toxic to pets if ingested, particularly the seeds. The toxicity can lead to a condition called lathyrism in animals as well. Symptoms in pets may include weakness, lethargy, pacing, tremors, seizures, and difficulty breathing. Ingesting a large amount of seeds may lead to more serious health issues, including paralysis and potentially fatal neurological damage. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the plants, especially the seeds.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: Emits a pleasant scent that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: Provides a food source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being a low-maintenance plant, suitable for novice gardeners.
- Cut Flowers: Can be used in floral arrangements due to their long stems and attractive blooms.
- Decorative Vines: Can be trained up trellises or fences for a decorative effect.
- Variety of Colors: Offers a diverse palette of colors that can complement any garden design.
- Edible Pea Pods: Although not specific to 'Bobby's Girl', some sweet peas produce edible pods.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral arrangements: Lathyrus odoratus, commonly known as sweet pea, can be used in cut flower arrangements, adding a burst of color and a sweet fragrance to bouquets and centerpieces.
- Natural fabric dye: The petals of the sweet pea can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a soft hue and delicate scent.
- Craft projects: Dried sweet pea flowers can be incorporated into various craft projects, such as pressed flower art or making homemade potpourri.
- Garden support structures: Growing sweet peas along trellises or fences can provide a living screen that offers privacy and aesthetic appeal in garden spaces.
- Photography: Sweet peas are a popular subject for photographers due to their vibrant colors and intricate flower structure.
- Teaching tool: Sweet peas can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant biology, including growth cycles and pollination.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried sweet pea petals can be used as biodegradable confetti at weddings or other celebrations, reducing waste and environmental impact.
- Greeting cards: Pressed sweet pea flowers can be used to adorn handmade greeting cards, giving them a unique and personal touch.
- Candle making: The fragrance of sweet peas can be captured in candles, either by infusing the wax with the scent or using dried flowers for decoration.
- Bath soaks: Petals from the sweet pea can be added to bath soaks for a soothing and aromatic bathing experience.
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: Sweet peas, including Lathyrus odoratus 'Bobby’s Girl', symbolize pleasure or delight, as their delicate fragrance and beautiful appearance bring joy to the senses.
- Goodbye: The sweet pea can symbolize a farewell or departure, making them a fitting flower to give when someone is leaving or going on a journey.
- Blissful Pleasure: They can represent a more intense form of happiness, suggesting deeply satisfying experiences or events.
- Thank You: Giving sweet peas can be a way to express gratitude, making them suitable for thank you bouquets and gestures of appreciation.
WaterSweet peas, like Lathyrus odoratus 'Bobby's Girl', should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water. During hot or dry weather, water them every 3-4 days to maintain moist soil. When watering, avoid wetting the foliage to help prevent disease. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the base of the plant. It's important not to let the soil dry out completely, but also avoid over-watering which can lead to root rot.
LightSweet peas thrive in full sunlight, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Place Lathyrus odoratus 'Bobby's Girl' in a spot where it will receive the morning sun, which is gentler, and can be sheltered from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun, especially in hotter regions.
TemperatureSweet peas, like Lathyrus odoratus 'Bobby's Girl', prefer cooler temperatures and will flourish in an environment that stays between 55°F and 65°F. They can withstand temperatures as low as 25°F once established, and should not be subjected to temperatures over 75°F for long periods, which can diminish blooming.
PruningPruning sweet peas, like Lathyrus odoratus 'Bobby's Girl', encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming. Pinching out the growing tip after 4-6 leaves have formed will also help create a fuller plant. The best time for this initial pruning is when the plant is 4-6 inches tall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet pea 'Bobby's Girl' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 7.0 to 7.5. A balanced mix that is rich in organic matter is ideal, and incorporating compost or well-rotted manure will benefit plant health.
RepottingSweet pea 'Bobby's Girl' typically doesn't require repotting as they are annual plants that complete their life cycle in one season; simply sow new seeds each year in fresh soil.
Humidity & MistingSweet pea 'Bobby's Girl' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable and can grow in normal outdoor humidity conditions without the need for specific adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a sunny spot and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun; support with trellis; keep moist.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleSweet Pea 'Bobby's Girl' begins its life as a seed, generally sown in late winter or early spring, germinating in a few weeks in cool soil. The seedling quickly develops a root system and shoots, producing distinctive paired leaves and tendrils that grasp onto support structures as the plant grows upright. Vegetative growth continues through spring with the development of a robust stem and more complex leaf-tendril structures for climbing. By late spring or early summer, the Sweet Pea ‘Bobby's Girl’ reaches the flowering stage, producing fragrant, colorful blossoms that are often used in cut-flower arrangements. After pollination, typically by bees, the plant sets seed pods, which mature by late summer ready to be harvested for next season's planting or to self-sow. With the onset of cooler autumn weather, the annual plant begins to fade, completing its life cycle by dying after seed production, with the seeds remaining dormant until the next suitable growth period.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Sweet Pea 'Bobby's Girl' is through seeds. This variety, like other sweet peas, is typically sown in early spring or autumn to avoid the hottest part of the year which can impede germination. The seeds have a hard outer coat, so it's beneficial to soften the coat by nicking it with a file or soaking it in water for 24 hours before planting. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep and space them about 2 to 3 inches apart in well-draining soil. Ensure they are in a sunny location and water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings usually appear in 10 to 14 days, after which they can be thinned out or transplanted if necessary. Sweet peas prefer cooler weather, so if sown in autumn, they may overwinter and bloom early in the spring.
