Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Colin Unwin'
ABOUT
The sweet pea named 'Colin Unwin' is a charming flowering plant that boasts vibrant and eye-catching flowers. These blossoms are particularly noted for their exquisite beauty and strong, sweet fragrance that can fill the air in the vicinity. Each flower is composed of delicate petals that are soft to the touch. The color of the 'Colin Unwin' sweet pea flowers typically embraces a delightful range, often showcasing vivid and deep shades that can include hues of rich purples, reds, pinks, or blues. These colorful blooms are often offset by a paler or white base, providing a striking contrast that makes the deep colors stand out even more. Sweet peas, including the 'Colin Unwin' cultivar, feature a distinctive form where the flowers grow in clusters, adding to the plant’s lush appearance. These clusters include multiple individual flowers, each held aloft on slender, yet sturdy stalks that rise from the plant's green foliage. The leaves of the sweet pea 'Colin Unwin' are typically small and pinnate, meaning they are made up of several small leaflets arranged on either side of a common axis, lending a feathery texture to the overall leaf structure. The foliage provides a green backdrop that makes the flowers truly pop. Please note that specific references to the plant's dimensions and measurements have been intentionally omitted from this description as requested.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sweet Pea, Sweetpea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea, including the variety Lathyrus odoratus 'Colin Unwin', may pose a risk of toxicity when ingested by humans. Although the flowers are often grown for their ornamental value and fragrance, the seeds and the rest of the plant contain a compound called aminopropanol that can potentially be harmful. If ingested, the sweet pea's seeds or other parts can lead to a condition known as lathyrism. This condition can cause symptoms such as muscle weakness and paralysis, which may affect the lower limbs. Ingesting large amounts could lead to more severe toxic effects.
To pets
Sweet pea, which refers to the Lathyrus odoratus 'Colin Unwin', can be toxic to pets if ingested. Animals that consume parts of the sweet pea might suffer from a condition known as lathyrism, just as in humans. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include lethargy, convulsions, and muscle tremors. In severe cases, it may result in paralysis or even death, especially if a significant amount of the plant is consumed. It is prudent to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the sweet pea to avoid these potential health hazards.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The sweet pea, including the 'Colin Unwin' variety, is known for its vibrant colors and attractive appearance, which can enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: Sweet peas are renowned for their delightful scent, which adds an olfactory dimension to their visual appeal.
- Cut Flowers: They make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and floral arrangements due to their long stems and attractive blooms.
- Pollinator Attraction: Sweet peas attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, aiding in the pollination of gardens.
- Vertical Interest: With their climbing habit, sweet peas can be used to create vertical interest in the garden, covering trellises and fences.
- Easy to Grow: They are relatively easy to cultivate, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels, including beginners.
- Seasonal Interest: Sweet peas are primarily grown as annuals and are suitable for adding seasonal interest to the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Biodegradable plant markers - Dried Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea) stems can be written on with a marker and used to identify other plants in your garden.
- Natural dye - The petals of sweet peas can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics or paper, yielding a range of soft colors.
- Companion planting - Sweet peas are said to be good companions for many vegetables and herbs, possibly deterring pests with their strong scent.
- Garden aesthetics - Collect dried sweet pea pods to use in rustic or naturalistic garden decor and craft projects.
- Teaching tool - Sweet peas are a great plant for educational projects, teaching children about pollination, plant growth, and seed formation.
- Floral art - The vibrant and colorful flowers can be used for intricate and delicate floral arrangements or art pieces.
- Photography subject - Due to their vivid colors and delicate shapes, sweet peas can be an excellent subject for botanical photography.
- Garden sculpture - Train sweet pea vines to grow over garden structures to form living sculptures that change with the seasons.
- Special events - Sweet peas can be grown and harvested specifically for use in special event decorations, such as weddings or parties.
- Culinary presentation - While not edible, sweet pea flowers can be used for plating decoration in high-end culinary presentations, removed before eating.
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 peas, as they are commonly known, are often associated with enjoying the simple, fleeting joys in life, much like their short-lived but sweet-smelling blooms.
- Goodbye and Departure: In the language of flowers, sweet peas can signify bidding farewell or expressing a desire to spend time with someone before they go due to their association with blissful but short-lived moments.
- Blissful Pleasure: The intoxicating fragrance and attractive flowers of the sweet pea are symbols of the bliss and pleasure derived from sensory experiences.
- Thankfulness: Gifting sweet peas can be a way to say "thank you" for a lovely time, again tied to the flower's connection with appreciating the present.
- Friendship: With their appealing scent and range of colors, sweet peas can stand for strong bonds of friendship and the sweet memories friends share.
WaterSweet peas like Lathyrus odoratus 'Colin Unwin' should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to become moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, they typically need about 1 inch of water per week, which can be provided by rainfall or supplemental watering. In the absence of rain, provide about 0.5 gallons per square yard once a week, making sure to water the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent mildew. During hot spells or in particularly dry conditions, check the soil moisture more frequently and increase watering as necessary, without allowing the plant to sit in water.
LightSweet peas like Lathyrus odoratus 'Colin Unwin' thrive in full sunlight, where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot that enjoys morning sun with some protection from the intense afternoon sun can be ideal, especially in warmer climates. They grow best in well-lit areas, so avoid planting them in shaded or heavily wooded areas.
TemperatureSweet peas like Lathyrus odoratus 'Colin Unwin' prefer cooler temperatures and will flourish in conditions between 55°F and 65°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50°F but may struggle in heat over 70°F. The ideal range for these plants to bloom and grow is within the cooler end of this spectrum. Sweet peas are not heat-tolerant and can start to falter when exposed to prolonged high temperatures.
PruningPruning sweet peas like Lathyrus odoratus 'Colin Unwin' encourages more blooms and a bushier growth habit. Pinching out the tips of the plant when they are 4 to 6 inches tall will stimulate branching. Once blooming, regularly deadheading or cutting flowers for bouquets will promote continued blooming. Pruning should be done with clean, sharp shears to avoid damaging the plant. The best time for pruning and deadheading is late afternoon or early evening when the plant is less stressed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet peas prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A good soil mix for 'Colin Unwin' would include garden soil, compost, and perlite or vermiculite to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingSweet peas are annuals and are not typically repotted as they will only live for one growing season.
Humidity & MistingSweet peas thrive in moderate humidity levels, but do not require any specific humidity adjustments when grown outdoors in their natural environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and stake for support.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, provide support for climbing, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Sweet Pea 'Colin Unwin' begins its life as a seed, which when sown in early spring or late winter, germinates in a few weeks. After germination, the seedling emerges with an initial pair of leaves known as cotyledons, followed by the development of true leaves and tendrils that help the plant to climb. As the plant matures, it develops a robust root system and bushy growth with multiple stems. Throughout late spring to summer, the Sweet Pea 'Colin Unwin' produces its distinctive fragrant flowers, ranging in color and attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers give way to seed pods, which mature and eventually release seeds once they dry out in late summer or early fall. The plant completes its life cycle annually, typically dying back with the first frosts of winter, though seeds can remain dormant in the soil to germinate the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring - early summer
The Sweet Pea 'Colin Unwin' is most commonly propagated through seeds. The best time to sow these seeds is either in late fall or early spring. To propagate, first soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer coating. Next, plant the seeds half an inch deep (1.3 centimeters) in well-draining soil, ideally in individual pots to avoid root disturbance when transplanting. Ensure that the pots are placed in a bright, cool location and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take anywhere from 7 to 15 days. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and are strong enough, they can be transplanted to their final growing location outdoors, taking care to harden them off gradually to acclimate them to the outdoor conditions.
