Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Florencecourt'
ABOUT
The Sweet Pea known as 'Florencecourt' is a striking flower with a captivating display of blossoms. The blooms are typically noted for their appealing and sweet fragrance that can fill the air around them. The flowers themselves often come in a variety of shades ranging from deep purples and blues to lighter pinks and whites, including bi-color options that combine these hues. Each bloom is characteristically shaped with both a broad 'standard' or banner petal at the back and smaller 'wing' petals at the sides. The standard petal can sometimes exhibit ruffled edges, adding to the ornamental appeal of the flower. On the plant, these flowers are presented in clusters, which emerge from the top of long, slender stalks that sprout from the main vine. The vine, being of a climbing nature, can support itself through the use of delicate tendrils that grasp onto supports. These tendrils spiral tightly around anything they can find, aiding the plant in its upward growth. The foliage of 'Florencecourt' is made up of green leaflets that are oblong to lance-shaped, offering a lush backdrop to the colorful blossoms. The overall aesthetic of the Sweet Pea 'Florencecourt' is one of classic garden charm, with its flowers providing both a visual and olfactory delight.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Sweetpea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea, including the variety Lathyrus odoratus 'Florencecourt', contains toxic amino acids such as beta-aminopropionitrile, which can cause a condition known as lathyrism if ingested in significant quantities. Lathyrism can lead to paralysis, labored breathing, convulsions, and potentially can be fatal. Symptoms of poisoning include weakness, lethargy, tremors, and seizures. Chronic ingestion can result in a more severe neurological condition characterized by spastic paralysis. It is important for humans to avoid consuming any part of the sweet pea plant.
To pets
Sweet pea is toxic to pets as well. The presence of certain amino acids, such as beta-aminopropionitrile, can cause lathyrism, which affects the nervous system and can lead to paralysis and muscle damage. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, trembling, seizures, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to death. All parts of the sweet pea plant should be considered poisonous to pets, and pets should not be allowed to ingest any portion of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
6 feet (1.82 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant colors and beauty with its range of purple, pink, white, and blue flowers to home gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The sweet pea has a pleasant aroma that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden space.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination of plants, supporting local ecosystems.
- Edging and Borders: The sweet pea is well-suited for edging and creating natural borders within garden designs.
- Vertical Interest: It can be trained to climb trellises, fences, and other structures, adding height and structure to garden designs.
- Seasonal Interest: Typically blooms in the late spring to early summer, providing seasonal interest during this time.
- Cut Flowers: The stems of the sweet pea are long and lend themselves well for use in fresh floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Easy to Grow: Generally easy to cultivate from seed, making it accessible for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Cultural Significance: Often associated with good luck and pleasure, making it a meaningful addition to gardens for those who value plant symbolism.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cut Flowers: Lathyrus odoratus 'Florencecourt', commonly known as sweet pea, has highly fragrant and colorful flowers that make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Natural Fabric Dye: Sweet pea petals can be used to create natural dyes for coloring fabrics with subtle hues.
- Craft Projects: Dried sweet pea flowers and seed pods can be used in craft projects, such as making potpourri or decorative displays.
- Photography Prop: The attractive blooms of sweet peas make them a popular choice as a photography prop in garden photography and still life compositions.
- Festive Decorations: Sweet pea flowers can be incorporated into wreaths and garlands for festive decorations during special occasions.
- Educational Tool: Sweet peas can be used in schools or educational programs to teach children about plant biology and the process of pollination.
- Garden Borders: Sweet peas can be planted for their aesthetic use in creating colorful garden borders and edges.
- Aromatherapy: Although not used medicinally, the fragrance of sweet peas can be enjoyed for personal aromatherapy, promoting relaxation and well-being.
- Culinary Garnish: While not typically eaten, the blossoms of sweet peas can be used as an ornamental garnish to beautify dishes.
- Companion Planting: Sweet peas can be used in companion planting schemes to help support and enhance the growth of other plants, although care must be taken due to their toxic nature.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSweet pea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySweet pea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Delicate Pleasure: Sweet pea's delightful fragrance symbolizes the simple joys and pleasures of life.
- Goodbye or Departure: Often given when someone is leaving or as a farewell, as sweet pea signifies bidding farewell to a loved one or a phase in life.
- Blissful Pleasure: Reflects the bliss associated with enjoying the sweet pea's beauty and scent.
- Thank You: Sweet peas are a way to express gratitude, making it an ideal gift for someone you appreciate.
- Kindness: Its alluring fragrance and delicate form symbolize gentleness and kindness.
WaterSweet peas, including the 'Florencecourt' variety, prefer consistently moist soil, so water them when the top inch feels dry to the touch. This typically translates to approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per week, but be vigilant during hot spells as they may require more frequent watering. To avoid waterlogged conditions, ensure that the soil is well-draining. Water at the base of the plants to minimize the risk of disease, and adjust the watering schedule based on rainfall and temperature changes.
LightSweet peas like 'Florencecourt' flourish in full sun, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Plant them in a spot where they can bask in the sun's rays without being shaded by trees or buildings for optimal blooming and growth.
Temperature'Florencecourt' sweet peas thrive in cool conditions, with ideal temperatures ranging between 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit but are not heat-tolerant, suffering when temperatures rise above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. For best performance, provide a location that remains within these cooler temperature parameters.
PruningPrune 'Florencecourt' sweet peas regularly to encourage a bushier growth habit and more flowers. Deadhead spent blooms to prevent seed formation, and during the growing season, lightly prune to maintain shape and health. The best time for a more extensive prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet peas, like Lathyrus odoratus 'Florencecourt', thrive in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A good soil mix for sweet peas is one part garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part sharp sand to improve drainage.
RepottingSweet peas, including the variety Lathyrus odoratus 'Florencecourt', are generally sown annually, so they do not usually require repotting. However, if started in pots before planting out, they should be transplanted when seedlings are still small to avoid disturbing their delicate roots.
Humidity & MistingSweet peas like Lathyrus odoratus 'Florencecourt' prefer moderate humidity levels. They can tolerate some degree of variation but should not be exposed to excessively dry or highly humid conditions for prolonged periods.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and cool temps for indoor sweet peas.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil with full sun exposure.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleSweet pea 'Florencecourt' starts with seed germination, which requires a well-draining soil and can be aided by nicking the seed coat to facilitate water absorption. Following germination, the seed develops into a seedling, which will exhibit rapid growth, producing climbing vines and compound leaves that require support like a trellis to grow effectively. The plant continues its vegetative growth phase as the climate warms, during which it develops extensive foliage. It then enters the flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, during which sweet pea 'Florencecourt' produces fragrant flowers ranging from purple to blue, and sometimes bi-colored, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into pods containing seeds, completing the reproductive phase of the plant. As the growing season ends, the plant will eventually senesce and die, but the collected or naturally dispersed seeds ensure the continuation of the species in the following seasons.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The sweet pea 'Florencecourt' is most commonly propagated by seed. The best time to sow sweet pea seeds is in autumn or early spring, so they have enough time to establish a strong root system before blooming in the summer. To propagate sweet peas from seed, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer shell. Then, sow them about 1 inch deep in well-draining soil and space the seeds 2 to 3 inches apart. Keep the soil moist until germination, which typically occurs within 10 to 14 days. Seedlings can be thinned out or transplanted to their final positions once they've developed a few pairs of true leaves and are strong enough to handle.
