Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Gwendoline'
ABOUT
The plant known as sweet pea 'Gwendoline' is a captivating variety that exhibits stunning floral characteristics. It is well-loved for its enchanting flowers that are prominently displayed. These blossoms are distinctive, featuring a delicate, ruffled appearance which adds a romantic aspect to their form. The petals are a soft pink hue that graduates to a deeper rose at the edges, imparting an ombre effect that is both subtle and striking. The sweet peas boast a strong, delightful fragrance that has a traditional, sweet and floral aroma, making them a favorite for cutting gardens and for bringing their scent indoors. Foliage on this particular sweet pea consists of medium green leaves that are pinnate, meaning they are composed of multiple leaflets arranged along the central stem. The individual leaflets are small and oval-shaped with a pointy tip, giving the plant an overall feathery appearance. These leaves attach to slender, wiry stems which the plant uses to climb, with the help of tendrils that extend from the main stem, grasping onto supports to help the plant in its vertical growth.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Garden Pea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea, including the cultivar Lathyrus odoratus 'Gwendoline', contains toxic amino acids, particularly in the seeds and seed pods; thus, it is inadvisable for humans to ingest any part of this plant. If ingested, symptoms can include convulsions, paralysis, and even permanent neurological damage, known as lathyrism, especially if consumed in large quantities over time.
To pets
Sweet pea, including the cultivar Lathyrus odoratus 'Gwendoline', can also be toxic to pets if ingested, particularly the seeds and seed pods. Symptoms of sweet pea poisoning in pets can include lethargy, seizures, tremors, and vomiting. Chronic ingestion may lead to a condition known as osteolathyrism or neurolathyrism, characterized by skeletal deformities or paralysis.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetically Pleasing: Adds visual appeal with its vibrant and colorful flowers.
- Fragrance: Emits a pleasant scent that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Vertical Interest: Can climb and cover trellises, fences, and other structures, adding height to garden designs.
- Variety: Offers a wide range of colors and patterns, providing many options for garden themes and palettes.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms make excellent cut flowers for arrangements and bouquets.
- Easy to Grow: Generally easy to cultivate from seed, making it a good choice for novice gardeners.
- Fast Growing: Quick to establish and bloom, offering an early display of flowers in the growing season.
- Edible Flowers: Some varieties have edible flowers that can be used to garnish dishes, although caution is advised as other parts of the plant are toxic if ingested in large amounts.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: Sweet pea flowers can be used to create natural dyes for fabric and yarn, creating shades from soft purples to blues depending on the mordant used.
- Ink making: The petals of sweet pea can be crushed and mixed with a binder to create a natural, eco-friendly ink for art projects.
- Photography: Sweet pea flowers are used in floral photography for their vivid colors and appealing shapes, enriching the aesthetic of the photo composition.
- Educational tool: Sweet pea plants are sometimes used in schools for education about plant growth, genetics (due to the easily observable Mendelian traits in their flowers), and the care of living organisms.
- Floral crafts: The blossoms of sweet peas are incorporated into crafts such as pressed flower art or flower crowns due to their beauty and fragrance.
- Potpourri: Dried sweet pea flowers can be added to potpourri mixes for their delightful scent and decorative appearance.
- Greeting cards: Fresh or dried sweet pea petals can be used to embellish greeting cards or invitations, adding a touch of nature to the design.
- Bookmark creation: Pressed sweet pea flowers can be laminated within bookmarks, serving as an attractive and functional accessory for book lovers.
- Culinary decoration: Although not widely known for culinary uses, the petals of certain sweet pea varieties can be used to add a splash of color to salads or desserts (Note: many species are toxic, so verify edibility before consumption).
- Festival and event decoration: Sweet pea flowers are often used to create beautiful, natural decor at festivals, weddings, and other events, contributing to a romantic and whimsical atmosphere.
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- Pleasant Memories: The sweet scent of Sweet Pea 'Gwendoline' is often associated with the nostalgia of precious moments or dear ones from the past.
- Blissful Pleasure: Due to its delightful fragrance and gorgeous blossoms, Sweet Peas symbolize the joy and pleasure found in life's simple beauties.
- Goodbye and Departure: In flower language, Sweet Peas can signify a farewell or the end of an era, wishing someone well as they embark on a new journey.
- Delicate or Blissful Pleasures: These flowers often embody the idea of experiencing pleasure that is both exquisite and ephemeral, much like the fleeting beauty of the blooms themselves.
- Thankfulness: Giving Sweet Peas can express gratitude, making it a thoughtful gesture to show appreciation for kindness or friendship.
WaterSweet peas, including the variety Lathyrus odoratus 'Gwendoline', prefer to be kept consistently moist but not soggy. During their active growing season, typically in the spring and summer, they should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch—this could be approximately every week, but it varies based on climate and weather conditions. It is best to water them early in the day, applying water directly to the soil to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Generally, a gallon of water per plant each time should suffice, adjusting for rainfall and temperature conditions.
LightSweet peas like Lathyrus odoratus 'Gwendoline' thrive in full sun, which means they will do best in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate light shade, especially in hot climates where a bit of afternoon shade can protect them from intense heat, but they will produce fewer blossoms in less light. An ideal location would be in an east or west-facing garden where they are exposed to the morning or late afternoon sun.
TemperatureSweet peas, including Lathyrus odoratus 'Gwendoline', perform best in cool to moderate temperatures, with ideal growing conditions between 55°F and 65°F. They can withstand short periods of frost and survive minimum temperatures down to 25°F for brief spells. However, they will start to suffer in temperatures above 75°F, demonstrating decreased flowering and potential stress.
PruningPruning sweet peas like Lathyrus odoratus 'Gwendoline' encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Pinching out the tips when plants are 4-6 inches tall will stimulate lateral growth. Remove dead flowers regularly to avoid them going to seed and to promote continuous blooming. The best time for major pruning is in the early spring or after the flowers have diminished significantly, which is typically in late summer depending on the climate.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet Pea 'Gwendoline' thrives in a well-draining soil mix containing loam, compost, and a bit of sand to ensure adequate drainage. The ideal soil pH for sweet peas is in the range of 6.0 to 7.5. Regular addition of organic matter will help maintain the soil fertility and structure necessary for these flowering plants.
RepottingSweet Peas, including 'Gwendoline', are typically not repotted as they are annuals; they complete their life cycle in one growing season. However, if started in containers, they should be potted in their final location before the seedlings become root-bound.
Humidity & MistingSweet Pea 'Gwendoline' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to a range of conditions. It doesn't require high humidity; ambient outdoor conditions or average indoor humidity are usually sufficient for healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temps, and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, provide support, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleSweet Pea 'Gwendoline' begins its life cycle as a seed sown into well-drained soil in late winter or early spring, often after being soaked or nicked to facilitate germination. Upon germination, the seedling emerges, developing its first true leaves and rapidly growing tendrils that seek support for climbing. As it matures into a young plant, it requires ample sunlight, staking for support, and regular feeding to encourage robust growth. During late spring to summer, 'Gwendoline' enters its flowering stage, producing fragrant, bicolored (typically pink and white) flowers that are popular for cutting and ornamental display. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed pods, which eventually dry and release seeds for future plantings. In late autumn, the plant fades, completing its annual cycle, though it may leave behind seeds that can overwinter and begin a new life cycle the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method for propagating Sweet Pea 'Gwendoline' is by sowing seeds. To ensure successful germination, it's advisable to nick the seed coat slightly with a file or to soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the tough outer shell. The best time to sow Sweet Pea seeds is either in late fall or early spring when soil temperatures are around 55°F to 65°F (13°C to 18°C). Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep (2.5 centimeters) into well-drained soil and space them about 2 to 3 inches apart (5 to 7.5 centimeters). Keep the soil moist until germination, which typically occurs in 10 to 21 days. Once the seedlings have grown strong enough, thin them to about 6 inches apart (15 centimeters) to provide ample space for their vining growth.
