Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Eileen Brinton'
ABOUT
The sweet pea known as 'Eileen Brinton' boasts a delightful and charming appearance, characterized by its attractive flowers that are the hallmark of this plant. These blooms have a sweet fragrance, which makes them a favorite among gardeners looking to add both visual beauty and aromatic pleasure to their gardens. The flowers of 'Eileen Brinton' usually come in a delicate shade of white, lending an air of elegance and purity to the plant. They have a classic sweet pea shape, with a broad standard petal that is often ruffled or rippled, flanked by smaller wing petals that gracefully fan out from the flower's center. The foliage is composed of medium-green leaves, which provide a lovely backdrop to the vibrant flowers. The leaves are typically pinnate, with multiple leaflets that give the plant an intricate, feathery texture. Sweet pea 'Eileen Brinton' is further decorated with slender, coiling tendrils that enable it to climb and support itself when grown alongside a trellis or other structure. These tendrils add an additional layer of visual interest and practical function to this captivating plant. Overall, 'Eileen Brinton' has a quintessential sweet pea allure, with its fragrant, white flowers and delicate climbing form making it a quintessential choice for ornamental gardening.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus 'Eileen Brinton'.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea, including the variety Lathyrus odoratus 'Eileen Brinton', contains toxic amino acids, particularly in the seeds and seed pods, that can lead to a condition known as lathyrism when ingested in large quantities. Lathyrism is characterized by symptoms such as muscle weakness, paralysis of the lower limbs, and in severe cases, can cause permanent paralysis and potentially be fatal.
To pets
Sweet pea, including the Lathyrus odoratus 'Eileen Brinton', is also toxic to pets. Ingesting the plant, especially the seeds and seed pods, can lead to lathyrism in animals, similar to humans. Symptoms in pets may include lethargy, convulsions, and difficulty breathing. If a pet consumes a large amount, it can lead to paralysis and potentially be fatal, so prompt veterinary attention is required.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Lathyrus odoratus, commonly known as sweet pea, has beautiful, fragrant flowers that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Climbing Nature: As a climbing plant, sweet pea can be used to decorate trellises, walls, and fences, adding vertical interest to a garden space.
- Attracts Pollinators: The sweet pea's brightly colored flowers attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination.
- Variety of Colors: 'Eileen Brinton' sweet peas produce blooms in a soft cream color, adding a delicate palette variety to the garden.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms of sweet pea make excellent cut flowers for arrangements, thanks to their beauty and fragrance.
- Easy to Grow: Sweet peas are generally easy to cultivate and can thrive in various soil types, as long as they are well-drained.
- Seasonal Color: They are a wonderful addition for bringing early-season color to the garden, often blooming in spring or early summer.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Teaching Botany: Sweet pea flowers, including the Lathyrus odoratus 'Eileen Brinton', can be used in educational settings to teach about plant biology, pollination, and horticulture techniques.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists and photographers may use the vibrant and delicate appearance of sweet peas as subjects or inspiration for their work, capturing the beauty of the flowers in various mediums.
- Natural Fabric Dyes: The petals of sweet peas can be used in the creation of natural fabric dyes, providing a range of soft colors to textiles.
- Flower Arranging Competitions: Sweet peas, due to their appealing scent and attractive colors, are often used in competitive flower arranging and horticultural shows.
- Garden Aesthetics: Sweet peas, including 'Eileen Brinton', are used by garden designers and urban planners to create aesthetically pleasing and fragrant urban and garden spaces.
- Butterfly Gardens: These flowers can be incorporated into butterfly gardens to attract and support populations of butterflies and other beneficial insects.
- Homemade Potpourri: Sweet pea petals can be dried and used to create homemade potpourri which provides a natural, floral fragrance to indoor environments.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried sweet pea petals serve as a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti at celebrations like weddings or eco-friendly events.
- Culinary Decoration: While not commonly consumed, sweet pea flowers can be used as decorative, non-edible embellishments on cakes and other desserts.
- Plant-based Crafts: Dried sweet pea flowers and seed pods can be used in crafting, such as in creating natural wreaths or ornaments.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSweet pea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySweet pea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Pleasure: Sweet peas, including the 'Eileen Brinton' cultivar, are often associated with pleasure due to their delightful fragrance and bright blossoms which bring enjoyment to those who grow and admire them.
- Goodbye: The sweet pea has been traditionally used to say goodbye or to signify a departure, perhaps because they are often given when someone is leaving as a way to leave behind a sweet memory.
- Thankfulness: Sweet peas convey gratitude, making them the perfect flower to give someone to thank them for their kindness or hospitality.
- Blissful Pleasure: Beyond just pleasure, sweet peas represent blissful pleasure, emphasizing the pure joy and satisfaction one can get from life’s simple delights.
- Delicate or Fleeting Pleasure: The delicate flowers of the sweet pea may also symbolize pleasures that are fleeting, as the blooms have a relatively short life, reminding us to enjoy the moment.
WaterSweet peas like those of the 'Eileen Brinton' variety should be watered thoroughly once a week during their active growth period. They prefer their soil to be kept moist, but not waterlogged, so ensure that the soil is well-draining. Depending on the climate conditions, you might need to increase watering frequency to twice a week during hotter spells or when the plants are maturing and blooming. Generally, one inch of water per week is a good guide, which is roughly equivalent to 0.6 gallons per square yard.
LightSweet peas, including the 'Eileen Brinton' variety, thrive in full sun to part shade conditions. They prefer to have their roots in shade but require at least six hours of sunlight per day to flower profusely. Select a location that gets early morning or late afternoon sun for the best results.
TemperatureSweet peas such as the 'Eileen Brinton' perform best in cool to moderate temperatures, ideally between 55°F and 65°F. They can survive temperatures as low as 20°F, making them tolerant to frost, but high temperatures above 75°F may hinder their flowering. Ensure they have protection from the hottest part of the day during the summer months.
PruningPruning sweet peas like the 'Eileen Brinton' encourages bushier growth and more flowers. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to prevent the plant from going to seed. Light pruning can be done throughout the blooming period to keep the plants tidy. The best time to prune is when the flowers start to fade.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet peas prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The best soil mix would be a combination of garden soil, compost, and a light, porous material like perlite to enhance drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for Lathyrus odoratus 'Eileen Brinton'.
RepottingSweet peas typically do not need frequent repotting as they are annuals; they are sown, grow, flower, and die within one year. However, if you start them in containers, transplant the seedlings to their final location outdoors once they are established and after the last frost has passed.
Humidity & MistingSweet peas thrive with moderate humidity levels and do not require particularly high humidity to grow well. Average room humidity is usually sufficient, making them versatile for various growing conditions as long as they are not overly dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, fertile soil, after last frost.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleSweet pea 'Eileen Brinton' begins its life as a seed, which, when sown in fertile, well-drained soil and given proper warmth and moisture, germinates usually within 7 to 15 days. After germination, seedlings emerge, developing into young plants with characteristic tendrils that seek support for climbing. The vegetative stage follows, marked by the growth of stems, leaves, and the climbing structure, where the application of a high-potash fertilizer can encourage stronger growth. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, with 'Eileen Brinton' producing white, fragrant flowers that are popular with pollinators. After pollination, the plant sets seed pods, which mature over the summer and can be collected for future sowing. At the end of the growing season, as a cool season annual, the plant will die back after seed maturity, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagating Sweet Pea 'Eileen Brinton' is by sowing seeds. The best time to sow these seeds is from late winter to early spring, depending on the climate zone. To propagate, you should first soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat, then drain and plant them about 1 inch deep in well-draining soil. Spacing the seeds about 2 to 3 inches apart allows for adequate room for growth. These should be sown in pots or trays under cover, in a greenhouse or a cold frame, and once the seedlings are strong enough and the risk of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors to their final growing position. It's important to provide support for the climbing vines as they grow.
