Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Cathy'
ABOUT
The plant 'Cathy' is a variety of sweet pea, known for its charming and fragrant flowers. It presents with an enchanting display of blooms which often come in a soft, pastel shade of pink with subtle, creamy undertones, giving them a delicate and almost ethereal appearance. Each flower gracefully consists of a standard or banner petal, two wing petals, and a keel comprising two fused petals, characteristic of the sweet pea's flower structure. These blooms are typically arranged in clusters, creating a lovely bouquet effect on the vine. The foliage of 'Cathy' is bright green, forming a lush backdrop for the flowers. The leaves are pinnately compound, which means they are made up of multiple leaflets arranged in pairs along a central stem. Each leaflet is slender and pointed, adding to the fine texture of the plant's overall appearance. Adding to its appeal, the vines of the 'Cathy' sweet pea are adorned with tendrils that reach out, curling around available support structures, which enables the plant to climb. This twining nature allows it to interlace itself through trellises and fences, creating a vertical tapestry of greenery and soft-hued blooms. The overall impression of 'Cathy' sweet pea is one of delicate beauty, with its tendrils, compound leaves, and clusters of lightly scented flowers creating a romantic display in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Sweetpea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as sweet pea has a low level of toxicity to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant, particularly the seeds, can result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and convulsions in severe cases due to the presence of a compound known as lathyrogens. Chronic ingestion may lead to a condition known as lathyrism, which can cause paralysis and muscle wasting, though this is unlikely with the ornamental sweet pea.
To pets
Sweet pea plants possess a level of toxicity to pets. Symptoms of poisoning in pets, especially cats and dogs, can include lethargy, pacing, tremors, seizures, and difficulty breathing. Again, it is usually the seeds of the sweet pea plant that contain the highest concentration of toxic compounds. If a pet consumes a significant quantity of the plant, especially the seeds, it is advised to seek veterinary attention immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Lathyrus odoratus 'Cathy', commonly known as sweet pea, has attractive, ruffled white flowers that add beauty to any garden space.
- Fragrance: Sweet peas are well-known for their delightful fragrance, which can complement any floral garden or bouquet.
- Attracts Pollinators: Being a flowering plant, it attracts beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are crucial for pollination.
- Versatility: Suitable for trellises, arbors, and fences, sweet peas can be used to create vertical accents in garden designs.
- Cut Flowers: The long stems and attractive blooms make sweet peas ideal for cut flower arrangements, bringing the beauty and fragrance indoors.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cut Flower Arrangements: Sweet pea flowers are a popular choice for cut flower arrangements due to their attractive form and fragrance, adding a delicate touch to bouquets and indoor decorations.
- Education and Research: Sweet pea plants are sometimes used in educational settings for botanical studies because they exhibit clear phenotypic traits like flower color, which are ideal for genetics and heredity studies.
- Garden Companions: Sweet pea plants can serve as companion plants in the garden, attracting beneficial pollinators which can improve the overall health and yield of nearby vegetable and herb crops.
- Art and Craft Supplies: Pressed sweet pea flowers are used in art and craft applications, like making greeting cards, bookmarks, or decoupage projects, due to their vibrant colors and ease of pressing.
- Floral Perfume Production: The intense fragrance of sweet pea flowers can be captured and used in the production of perfumes, scented candles, and potpourri to provide a light, floral scent.
- Wedding Décor: Sweet peas are a traditional flower used in wedding ceremonies and receptions, often included in bridal bouquets, centerpieces, or as part of the venue décor due to their romantic appearance and scent.
- Photography: The striking blooms of sweet peas make them an ideal subject for photographers, especially those specializing in botanical and nature photography.
- Garden Design and Landscaping: Sweet peas are used in landscape design to provide vertical interest, as their climbing nature can cover trellises, archways, and fences, adding height and color to gardens.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely consumed, the flowers of sweet peas can occasionally serve as an edible garnish in high-end cuisine due to their decorative appeal.
- Symbolic Gift: Sweet pea flowers are often gifted to symbolize pleasure or to say goodbye, making them a meaningful choice for farewells, graduations, or as a token of appreciation.
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: Lathyrus odoratus, commonly known as Sweet Pea, often symbolizes pleasure. The sweet fragrance and delicate appearance of the Cathy variety bring joy and a sense of bliss to those who encounter it.
- Goodbye: In the language of flowers, Sweet Pea can represent a fond farewell or departure. It may be given when someone is leaving or as a gesture of parting.
- Thankfulness: The Sweet Pea flower is also a symbol of gratitude. Gifting someone the Cathy variety would express appreciation or thanks for their presence in your life or for something they have done.
- Delicate Pleasures: Due to its gentle form and enchanting scent, Sweet Pea also signifies the enjoyment of delicate pleasures, appreciating the small, fine moments in life.
WaterSweet peas should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water per plant during regular weather conditions. If the weather is exceptionally hot or dry, increase watering frequency to twice a week. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. It's important to avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. During the blooming period, they may require more frequent watering to support their prolific growth.
LightSweet peas thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. They will achieve the best growth and flowering when positioned in a spot that receives ample morning sunlight and maybe partial shade during the hottest part of the afternoon, especially in warmer climates.
TemperatureSweet peas prefer moderate temperatures and will flourish when daytime temperatures are between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit but may stop growing if the weather is consistently cold. The maximum temperature for sweet peas is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit; they can become stressed when temperatures exceed this range.
PruningPruning sweet peas is done to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch off the growing tips when plants are about 4-6 inches tall. Deadhead flowers regularly to promote continued blooming. The best time for pruning is in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins, but maintenance pruning and deadheading should be done throughout the blooming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet pea 'Cathy' thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, ranging from 7.0 to 7.5. A good soil mix for sweet peas would be a blend of garden soil, compost, and perlite or vermiculite to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingSweet pea 'Cathy' usually doesn't require frequent repotting as it is an annual plant. It's best to plant them directly into their final position in the garden or containers where they will grow for the season.
Humidity & MistingSweet pea 'Cathy' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different conditions as long as there is good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place sweet pea 'Cathy' near a sunny window and support vines.
Outdoor
Plant in a sunny spot with supports for climbing.
Life cycleCathy Sweet Pea begins its life as a hard seed, which requires soaking or scratching before sowing to aid germination. After planting in fertile, well-drained soil in early spring, germination occurs, typically within 7 to 14 days. Seedlings soon develop into climbing plants with tendrils, reaching for support to cling to as they grow. The plant then enters its vegetative stage, producing lush foliage before blossoming in late spring to summer with fragrant, colorful flowers that attract pollinators. Following pollination, seed pods develop and mature, eventually drying on the plant. The life cycle concludes with the dispersal of seeds, which can be collected for future planting or left to self-seed in the garden.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagation for Lathyrus odoratus 'Cathy', commonly known as Sweet Pea 'Cathy', is through sowing seeds. This should ideally be done in late winter or early spring, around six to eight weeks before the last expected frost date. Begin by soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer shell and promote germination. After soaking, sow the seeds about 1 inch deep into well-drained soil in pots or trays. Place the trays in a bright, warm area but out of direct sunlight until germination, which typically occurs within 10 to 21 days. Once seedlings have developed a set of true leaves and there's no risk of frost, they can be transplanted to their final growing location, providing support for their climbing habit as they grow.
