Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Dawn Chorus'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Dawn Chorus' is a variety of sweet pea, which is renowned for its exceptionally fragrant and showy flowers. This cultivar features blossoms that are typically a blend of soft pastel tones, often showcasing a harmonious mixture of pink, lavender, and cream hues. The flowers exhibit a delicate, ruffled appearance and typically grow in clusters, providing a visually dense and textured effect. Each bloom presents a classic sweet pea shape, with a large standard or banner petal that elegantly wraps around the top of the flower, while smaller wing petals spread out at the sides, creating a fluttery, butterfly-like form. The buds and flowers spiral around their supporting structures which the vine habitually climbs. The foliage of 'Dawn Chorus' consists of paired leaflets that are bright green, with a tapered, lance-like shape. These leaflets are attached to the stems by slender, winding tendrils that help the plant to grasp and climb onto supports. The overall impression of the plant is one of romantic softness mixed with cottage garden charm, contributing to its popularity among gardeners who desire a plant with an abundance of visual appeal and scent for trellises, arbors, or as a cut flower for indoor enjoyment.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Annual Sweet Pea, Lathyrus, Sweetpea, Vetchling.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea, including the 'Dawn Chorus' cultivar, is mildly toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains a compound called beta-aminopropionitrile that can cause a condition known as lathyrism if consumed in large quantities over time. Symptoms of lathyrism may include paralysis, labored breathing, convulsions, and potentially can be fatal. It primarily affects the nervous system and skeletal muscles. Although cases are rare due to the low consumption rate of the plant amongst humans, it is advised to avoid eating any part of the sweet pea plant.
To pets
Sweet pea is also toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats, if ingested. The seeds and seedpods are particularly poisonous. Symptoms of sweet pea poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases can result in death. As with humans, the toxic compound can affect the nervous system. If you suspect your pet has ingested sweet pea, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The 'Dawn Chorus' sweet pea is known for its beautiful, colorful flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of any garden or landscape.
- Fragrance: This variety of sweet pea is prized for its delightful fragrance, adding a pleasant olfactory experience to gardens and cut flower arrangements.
- Pollinator Attraction: Sweet peas attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting the local ecosystem.
- Climbing Growth Habit: With its climbing nature, Lathyrus odoratus 'Dawn Chorus' can be used to cover trellises, fences, and other structures, adding vertical interest to gardens.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms are ideal for cutting and creating bouquets, with a long vase life that makes them popular in floral arrangements.
- Variety of Colors: 'Dawn Chorus' comes in a range of colors, adding diversity and the opportunity to create colorful garden themes.
- Seasonal Interest: Sweet peas have a specific flowering season which can provide timely beauty and interest in the garden when other plants may not be in bloom.
- Easy to Grow: They are relatively easy to grow from seed, making them accessible to gardeners of various skill levels.
- Cultural Significance: Sweet peas have been grown for many years and often have sentimental value or cultural significance, being popular in cottage gardens and traditional landscapes.
- Edible Peas: Although not specific to 'Dawn Chorus', sweet pea plants are close relatives to the edible garden pea, with some types producing edible peas (it's important to note that not all sweet peas produce edible peas and some are toxic if ingested).
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As an educational tool in botany or horticulture classes to demonstrate plant growth, pollination, and seed development in Sweet peas.
- For natural dye extraction, with Sweet pea flowers providing shades of blue and purple for textiles.
- In artistic inspiration, where the vibrant colors and forms of Sweet peas can serve as a muse for artists and photographers.
- As an ingredient in perfumery, where the scent of Sweet peas can be captured for use in creating floral fragrances.
- Integrated in crafts, such as pressing Sweet pea flowers for inclusion in handmade paper or botanical jewelry.
- Used in ceremonies like weddings or memorials, as Sweet peas symbolize delicate pleasures and can convey poignant messages with their gentle appearance.
- In culinary presentations, using Sweet pea flowers as an edible garnish, though the peas themselves are not edible and can be toxic if consumed.
- As part of a sensory garden, where Sweet peas' fragrance and color can provide an aromatic and visual experience for visitors.
- In landscape design, where Sweet peas can be grown on trellises to create natural privacy screens or living walls.
- For composting, by utilizing spent Sweet pea plants to enrich compost with nitrogen as they decompose.
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- Bliss and pleasure - The sweet fragrance of Sweet Pea is often associated with joyful experiences and the delights that life has to offer.
- Goodbye or departure - In the language of flowers, Sweet Pea can signify a fond farewell or departure, making it suitable for farewells or when someone is embarking on a new journey.
- Thankfulness - Sweet Pea is also a symbol of gratitude, often given to show appreciation for someone's kindness or friendship.
- Delicate pleasures - The delicate and ephemeral beauty of Sweet Pea blossoms can represent the fleeting nature of pleasure and the need to enjoy the present moment.
- Blissful pleasure - With its sweet scent and pretty blooms, Sweet Pea signifies pure enjoyment and the essence of pleasure.
WaterSweet peas require regular watering, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. You should aim to water them deeply once a week with about 1 inch of water using a watering can or a hose with a gentle spray setting, which equates to approximately 0.6 gallons per square yard. In warmer climates or during hot spells, increase the frequency to twice per week, carefully avoiding overhead watering to prevent mildew. During rainy spells, cut back on supplemental watering to prevent overwatering. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to ensure the plant needs additional hydration.
LightSweet peas thrive in full sun with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for planting sweet peas is in a location that receives morning sun and is protected from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun. However, if you live in a hot climate, sweet peas will benefit from light afternoon shade to prevent wilting and stress.
TemperatureSweet peas flourish in cool to moderate temperatures, ideally between 55°F and 65°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50°F and a maximum of 75°F. Extreme heat or frost can damage the plants, so they should be planted in early spring after the danger of frost has passed but while temperatures remain moderate.
PruningPruning sweet peas encourages more blooms and keeps the plants looking tidy. Pinch back the growing tips when the plants are 4 to 6 inches tall to promote bushier growth. As flowers fade, regularly deadhead or cut blooms for arrangements to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. The best time for heavy pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet Pea 'Dawn Chorus' thrives in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A good mix would be one part loam, one part well-rotted manure or compost, and a handful of bone meal to boost flowering. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
RepottingSweet Peas, including 'Dawn Chorus', typically do not need to be repotted as they are annual plants. They are sown directly where they are to flower or started in pots before transferring to the garden.
Humidity & MistingSweet Pea 'Dawn Chorus' prefers moderate humidity and does not require particularly high humidity levels. Average room humidity should suit this plant outdoors; protect from drying winds.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temps, and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Full sun, cool roots, support for climbing, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleSweet pea 'Dawn Chorus' begins its life as a seed, which germinates in spring after a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Upon sprouting, it develops a root system and shoots with compound leaves that quickly grow into a climbing vine, provided they have proper support. As the plant matures, it produces fragrant, colorful flowers commonly in the early to mid-summer months, attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction. Following pollination, the flowers develop into pods, containing several seeds that eventually dry and release seeds for the next generation. With the onset of cold or unfavorable conditions, the annual 'Dawn Chorus' completes its life cycle and dies, relying on the dispersed seeds to perpetuate the species.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Lathyrus odoratus 'Dawn Chorus', commonly known as Sweet pea, is through seeds. Sweet pea seeds are best sown in late winter or early spring, aiming for a time when the soil can be worked and is not frozen, typically a few weeks before the last expected frost date. To encourage germination, it is often advised to nick the hard seed coat with a file or to soak the seeds in water for several hours before planting. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep in well-draining soil and space them roughly 2 to 3 inches apart. Provide support for the climbing vines early on. Seedlings typically appear within 10 to 28 days, depending on soil temperature and conditions. Once established, sweet peas prefer cooler summer climates and can suffer in extreme heat.
