Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Flora Norton'
ABOUT
The sweet pea 'Flora Norton' is characterized by its beautiful, delicate flowers that are beloved for their light blue color. Each bloom typically consists of an enchanting combination of five petals, with a large standard or banner petal at the back, two wing petals on the sides, and a boat-shaped keel made by two fused petals in the front. The blooms possess a delightful fragrance and are found clustering atop slender, climbing stems, with each cluster, or inflorescence, bearing multiple flowers. The foliage of 'Flora Norton' is comprised of bright green leaves, which are pinnate with leaflets arranged in pairs, ending in a tendril that coils and enables the plant to climb and support itself on structures or other plants. These tendrils give 'Flora Norton' a whimsical look as they reach out and secure the plant's position. Additionally, the plant's stems are slender and green, blending seamlessly with the foliage. Often grown for decorative purposes in garden settings or as cut flowers for arrangements, 'Flora Norton' sweet peas add a touch of old-fashioned charm and a pop of soft blue color to their surroundings. Their romantic appearance and lovely scent make them a popular choice among gardeners and floral enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Annual Pea, Lathyrus.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus 'Flora Norton'.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea can be toxic if ingested in large amounts due to the presence of a compound called Lathyrogens, which can cause a condition known as lathyrism if consumed over a long period. Symptoms of lathyrism can include paralysis, labored breathing, convulsions, and, in severe cases, death. Eating seeds of sweet pea can also result in potential acute symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and headache.
To pets
Sweet pea is toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. Poisoning symptoms from ingestion can include lethargy, seizures, tremors, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the toxicity can lead to liver failure, respiratory issues, or death, particularly with repeated exposure or large amounts ingested. It is important to prevent pets from consuming any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Sweet Pea 'Flora Norton' has a captivating blue-violet hue, adding visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The blossoms are known for their sweet, delightful scent which can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity in the environment.
- Cut Flowers: They are excellent for bouquets and floral arrangements due to their appealing scent and attractive colors.
- Vertical Interest: As a climbing plant, Sweet Pea 'Flora Norton' can add height and structure to garden designs, covering trellises, arbors, or fences.
- Ease of Growth: It is relatively easy to cultivate in temperate climates, making it accessible for many gardeners.
- Seasonal Color: Sweet Pea 'Flora Norton' blooms in spring and summer, providing seasonal beauty in 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- The sweet pea can be used as a natural dye for fabrics and yarns, imparting a range of hues from greens to browns depending on the mordant used.
- When dried, the flowers of the sweet pea can create aromatic potpourris, adding fragrance to a room or drawer.
- Sweet pea seed pods are sometimes used in craft projects, such as making wreaths or dried flower arrangements.
- The flowers can be pressed and used in art projects, such as creating botanical prints or in mixed-media artworks.
- Sweet pea plants can provide a living support system for climbing vegetables in a garden, like cucumbers or small melons.
- Cut sweet pea flowers can serve as an indicator of indoor air quality, as they are sensitive to ethylene gas and may wilt prematurely in polluted environments.
- The stems and tendrils of sweet peas are sometimes used in gourmet cuisine as an edible garnish, although parts of the plant can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.
- As a companion plant, sweet peas can help deter certain pests from more valuable crops in the garden.
- Used in educational projects to demonstrate plant growth, pollination, and the life cycle of plants to students.
- Flower enthusiasts might use sweet pea flowers in perfumery workshops to explore scent extraction and fragrance creation techniques.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Sweet Pea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Sweet Pea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Pleasure: Lathyrus odoratus, commonly known as Sweet Pea, often symbolizes pleasure or delicate pleasure, reflecting the joy and bliss it brings with its sweet fragrance and graceful appearance.
- Goodbye: Sweet Pea can also represent farewells, conveying the sentiment of ''thank you for a lovely time'' as it is commonly given when someone is leaving or parting ways.
- Blissful Pleasure: The association with blissful pleasure stems from its intoxicating scent and abundant bloom, which encapsulate the essence of enjoying the moment.
- Delicate or Blissful Pleasure: Both adjectives highlight the exquisite and fleeting nature of the joy that sweet pea embodies.
WaterSweet pea plants require consistent moisture, so water them once a week with about 1 gallon of water per plant, ensuring a deep saturation of the soil. During periods of high heat or drought, you may need to water them more frequently, possibly twice a week, to keep the soil from drying out completely. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of disease, and instead use a soaker hose or water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry. Always check the soil before watering—sweet peas prefer the soil to be slightly moist but never waterlogged.
LightIdeal lighting conditions for Sweet pea plants include full sun exposure for at least 6 to 8 hours per day. They thrive in a spot that receives direct sunlight, as this encourages abundant flowering. However, in regions with very hot summers, sweet peas benefit from light afternoon shade to protect them from the intense heat.
TemperatureSweet peas prefer cooler temperatures and will flourish in conditions where the temperature ranges between 55°F and 65°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 50°F, but temperatures above 70°F may inhibit flowering. Sweet peas grow best in spring and fall when daytime temperatures are within their ideal range.
PruningPrune Sweet pea plants to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch out the tips of seedlings when they are about 4 inches tall to stimulate side shoots. Deadhead regularly to extend the flowering period and prevent the plants from going to seed. The best time to prune sweet peas is throughout the blooming season, whenever flowers start fading or seed pods begin to form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet peas thrive in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A good soil mix for Sweet Pea 'Flora Norton' would consist of loamy garden soil, well-rotted compost, and a form of grit for improved drainage. It is beneficial to add a slow-release fertilizer to the mix before planting to support robust growth.
RepottingSweet Pea 'Flora Norton' typically does not require repotting as it is often grown as an annual. If started in containers, it should be transplanted outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.
Humidity & MistingSweet Peas prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity levels found in most outdoor garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, cool air, and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, cool soil, provide trellis support.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleSweet pea 'Flora Norton' begins its life cycle with seed germination, usually in early spring, when soil temperatures reach a suitable level for the seeds to sprout. After germination, the seedlings establish themselves with a quick growth of leaves and tendrils, employing their climbing habit to reach for sunlight. As the plant matures and the weather warms, it enters a vegetative stage characterized by the growth of stems and leaflets, which will support the upcoming reproductive phase. Flowering typically occurs in late spring to early summer, where 'Flora Norton' produces its distinctive and fragrant flowers, attracting pollinators for fertilization. Following successful pollination, the plant sets pods, which develop seeds to be dispersed once the pods mature and dry out. Finally, the plant completes its annual cycle by wilting and dying, having allocated energy to seed formation for the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Sweet pea 'Flora Norton' is most commonly propagated through seed sowing. The ideal time to sow sweet pea seeds is in late winter or early spring to ensure they have a long flowering season. The seeds have a hard outer coat, so it's beneficial to soften them by chipping the seed coat or soaking the seeds in water overnight. Once prepared, they are sown into pots or directly into the ground, about an inch deep (2.54 cm), in well-draining soil. After sowing, they require regular watering but should not be kept overly wet as sweet peas dislike soggy conditions. Seedlings typically emerge in 10 to 14 days. It is essential to provide support for climbing as the plant matures, ensuring robust growth and an attractive display of flowers.
