Lathyrus odoratus 'Cara Stevenson'
ABOUT
The plant in question is commonly known as sweet pea, specifically the 'Cara Stevenson' variety. This ornamental plant is noted for its striking flowers, which are the defining feature of its appearance. The blossoms of the 'Cara Stevenson' sweet pea are notable for their beautiful coloring. Typically, the flowers exhibit a charming blend of pastel shades, often showcasing a creamy background overlaid with soft pink or lavender hues, although the exact coloration can vary. These flowers are not only visually appealing but also emit a delightful fragrance that is highly prized in garden settings. The blooms are formed in clusters, each one emerging on a slender stem that stands erect above the foliage. Sweet pea flowers are characterized by their distinctive butterfly-like shape, with each flower composed of five petals. The petal arrangement includes a broad 'standard' or 'banner' petal at the back, two 'wing' petals at the sides, and a 'keel' formed by two fused petals at the front. This keel often envelops the reproductive parts of the flower. The foliage of the sweet pea consists of green, leafy stems with paired leaflets that are oval or lance-shaped and have a pointed tip. These stems are delicate and can have a climbing habit, with tendrils that enable the plant to grip onto supports and structures. The overall growth habit lends the plant a fine texture and contributes to its use in garden designs that require vertical interest. As a garden plant, the 'Cara Stevenson' sweet pea is cherished for its delightful blooms and climbing habit, which allows it to grace trellises, fences, and other garden structures with its floriferous display. The sweet scent of its flowers is an added bonus, attracting both gardeners and pollinators alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
Sweet Pea, Garden Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea, the common name for Lathyrus odoratus 'Cara Stevenson', has seeds and seed pods that are toxic if ingested by humans. The toxicity is due to a compound called aminopropionitrile, which prevents the proper cross-linking of collagen in the body. Symptoms may include weakness and lack of coordination, and if consumed in large quantities, lathyrism—a serious condition that can lead to paralysis and potentially be fatal due to respiratory failure. It is advisable to avoid eating any part of this plant.
To pets
Sweet pea, the common name for Lathyrus odoratus 'Cara Stevenson', is also toxic to pets. If pets consume the seeds or seed pods of this plant, they may experience similar toxicity to humans due to a compound called aminopropionitrile. Symptoms in pets might include lethargy, convulsions, and difficulty in walking. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to a condition called osteolathyrism or neurolathyrism, which can cause paralysis or potentially be fatal. It's important to prevent pets from ingesting any part of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Sweet Pea 'Cara Stevenson' is known for its beautiful, delicately fragrant flowers which add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms provide nectar for beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Versatility: This plant can be used in various garden designs, including borders, trellises, and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Seasonal Interest: Sweet peas are typically grown as cool-season annuals, offering early spring to summer blooms that add color to gardens when many other plants are not yet in flower.
- Easy to Grow: They are relatively easy to cultivate and can be grown by gardeners of all skill levels.
- Edible History: Although not a benefit directly related to 'Cara Stevenson', sweet peas have a historical association with being a part of traditional gardens and have an edible use through their close relatives in the legume family.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: Sweet pea flowers can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yielding a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- In crafts and hobbies: Dried sweet pea flowers can be incorporated into potpourri mixes or used for flower pressing and scrapbooking projects due to their vibrant colors and shapes.
- As a muse for artists: The varied and striking colors of sweet pea blossoms make them popular subjects for painting, photography, and other forms of art.
- In education and research: Sweet peas can be used in botanical studies to demonstrate plant growth, pollination, and genetic inheritance patterns.
- For ornamental seed pods: After flowering, sweet peas produce ornamental pods that can be used in dried flower arrangements and decorative displays.
- As cut flower support: Sweet pea vines can provide a natural trellis for other cut flowers in arrangements, adding greenery and structure.
- In culinary presentations: Sweet pea flowers can be used as an organic garnish for culinary dishes, although the flower is not edible.
- As a teaching tool for children: Gardening with sweet peas is a way to teach children about life cycles, responsibility, and the joys of horticulture.
- For fragrance extraction: While not commonly practiced, the scent from sweet pea flowers can be used to inspire or attempt to make homemade perfumes.
- As an indicator plant: Sweet peas can serve as an indicator species in a garden, signaling soil quality and the presence of certain pests or diseases.
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- Blissful pleasure: The plant commonly known as Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus 'Cara Stevenson') is known to symbolize blissful pleasure due to its intoxicating fragrance and delicate petals, suggesting the joy and delightful experiences in life.
- Goodbye and departure: Sweet Pea can symbolize a fond farewell or goodbye, making it a suitable flower to give when someone is leaving or as a gesture of remembrance for partings.
- Gratitude and thanks: Giving Sweet Peas is also a way to express thanks, as their attractive appearance and scent are seen as a gesture of appreciation.
- Delicate pleasures: Their subtle beauty and aroma represent the finer and smaller joys that can be found in everyday experiences.
WaterSweet peas prefer consistent moisture, particularly during their active growth and blooming period. Water deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water which translates to approximately 0.623 gallons per square foot. During hot, dry spells, watering may need to be increased to twice per week. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and minimize the risk of disease. It's important to water at the base of the plant early in the day, which allows the moisture to reach the roots where it's needed and helps prevent evaporation.
LightSweet peas thrive in full sun, requiring a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day. The best spot for sweet peas is in an area that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Avoid heavily shaded areas as insufficient light can lead to poor flowering.
TemperatureSweet peas prefer cooler temperatures and will perform best in conditions where daytime temperatures are between 55°F and 70°F. They can survive minimum temperatures as low as 25°F but are not tolerant to prolonged freezes. Ideal temperatures range from 50°F to 65°F at night. The plants can start to falter when temperatures consistently exceed 80°F.
PruningPruning sweet peas encourages more blooms and prolongs the flowering period. Pinch off the top of the plant when it reaches about 6 inches in height to promote bushy growth. Regularly remove faded flowers and seed pods to stimulate new blooms. The best time for pruning is in the early morning when the plant is well-hydrated.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet pea 'Cara Stevenson' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. A balanced soil mix with equal parts garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand can provide the drainage and nutrient levels needed. The ideal soil pH for sweet peas is between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingSweet peas, including the 'Cara Stevenson' cultivar, are generally not repotted as they are annual plants. They are sown directly where they will flower and don't require repotting. After flowering, they can be replaced yearly with fresh seeds.
Humidity & MistingSweet pea 'Cara Stevenson' prefers moderate humidity levels, which mimic its natural outdoor environment. Excessive humidity can lead to fungal diseases, so ensuring good air circulation around the plants is important.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun exposure for sweet peas; use fertile, well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in a sunny spot, provide support for climbing, and keep soil moist.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Lathyrus odoratus 'Cara Stevenson', commonly known as Sweet Pea 'Cara Stevenson', begins with seed germination, which occurs in spring when temperatures are consistently above 55°F (13°C). Once germinated, the seedlings grow rapidly, developing a climbing stem that requires support to reach for light and maximize photosynthesis. The vegetative stage is characterized by the production of compound leaves with tendrils that help the plant climb. Flowering begins in late spring or early summer, showcasing the plant's fragrant, colorful blossoms, which attract pollinators such as bees. After pollination, the plant produces pods containing seeds, marking the reproductive stage, which by late summer or fall, dry and release seeds for the next generation. The plant is an annual, and after seed dispersal, it completes its life cycle and dies, though it can self-seed in suitable conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: Sweet pea 'Cara Stevenson' is typically propagated by seed sowing. The best time to sow sweet pea seeds is in late winter or early spring, which allows the plants to establish themselves in order to flower in the summer. To propagate sweet peas by sowing seeds, one should first nick the hard seed coat with a file or soak them in water for several hours to overnight, which will help to speed up germination. Then, plant the seeds about an inch deep (2.54 cm), preferably in biodegradable pots to minimize root disturbance, and keep the soil moist. Seeds usually germinate in 10 to 21 days at temperatures between 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (12.8 to 18.3 degrees Celsius). Once seedlings have grown strong enough and the danger of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors to a sunny spot with support for the climbing vines.
