Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Harlow Carr'
ABOUT
The Sweet Pea 'Harlow Carr' is a flowering plant that stands out with its striking blooms and delicate appearance. It features an array of vibrantly colored flowers, ranging from deep purples to rich blues, and often with shades of pinks. The petals are soft and ruffled, giving the blossoms a lush, romantic feel. These flowers have a sweet, enchanting fragrance that is typically associated with sweet peas. The blooms grow in clusters at the top of slender, climbing stems that are adorned with pairs of leaflets. These leaflets are bright green and have a slightly oval shape with a pointed tip, providing a pleasant backdrop to the colorful flowers. The plant is known for its tendrils that gracefully coil around supports, which allow it to climb and showcase its beauty. Underneath the flowers, the stems are complemented by the foliage, composed of multiple small, medium green leaves that are delicate to the touch. The overall impression of the Sweet Pea 'Harlow Carr' is one of classic beauty and charm, with its combination of fragrant, eye-catching blooms and lush foliage. It's a popular choice for gardeners who wish to add a touch of elegance and a lovely scent to their garden spaces.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Fragrant Pea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus 'Harlow Carr'.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea, specifically the Lathyrus odoratus 'Harlow Carr' variety, contains a compound called Lathyrism. This compound can cause a condition known as lathyrism if ingested in large quantities over time. It affects the nervous system, potentially resulting in muscle weakness and paralysis. Chronic exposure to the toxin can lead to irreversible effects, including skeletal deformities and paralysis of the lower limbs. Acute symptoms of sweet pea poisoning might not be as severe but can include convulsions and tremors. In general, sweet pea seeds are the most toxic part of the plant, and as such, consumption should be avoided.
To pets
Sweet pea, specifically the Lathyrus odoratus 'Harlow Carr' variety, is toxic to pets as well. Ingesting the seeds or plant material of sweet peas can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially more severe neurological symptoms such as tremors, seizures, or lethargy due to a toxin called aminopropionitrile. This toxin affects the nervous system and, with long-term exposure, can lead to a condition called lathyrism, which is characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis. Pets showing symptoms of sweet pea poisoning should be provided with veterinary care as soon as possible.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: 'Harlow Carr', commonly known as sweet pea, adds color and beauty to gardens with its range of vibrant flowers.
- Fragrance: Sweet peas are well-known for their delightful and strong fragrance, which can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Pollinator Attraction: These plants can attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which help pollinate garden flowers and plants.
- Vertical Gardening: Sweet peas are climbers, which means they can be grown vertically on trellises or supports, saving space and adding vertical interest to the garden.
- Cut Flowers: They make excellent cut flowers with their attractive blooms and long stems, suitable for floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Decorative Pods: After flowering, sweet peas produce decorative seed pods that can add interest to the plant's appearance.
- Easy to Grow: Lathyrus odoratus 'Harlow Carr' is relatively easy to grow, which makes it suitable for gardeners of varying experience levels.
- Seasonal Interest: These plants have a specific flowering season (usually spring to summer), which can be used to plan successive blooms in the garden.
- Heritage and Varietal Interest: As a cultivar, 'Harlow Carr' has its own unique history and characteristics, which could be of particular interest to plant collectors and enthusiasts.
- Educational Value: Growing sweet peas from seed can be an educational activity for children and adults alike, teaching about plant life cycles and gardening practices.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cut Flower Arrangements: The sweet pea 'Harlow Carr' can be used in fresh floral arrangements due to its long stems and attractive flowers, providing a sweet fragrance alongside visual appeal.
- Education and Research: Horticulture programs and educational institutions may use the sweet pea 'Harlow Carr' for student training in plant breeding and hybridization techniques.
- Natural Dyes: The petals of the sweet pea 'Harlow Carr' could be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering hues ranging from light pinks to deep purples depending on the concentration and mordant used.
- Photography and Art: The vibrant colors and delicate forms of sweet pea 'Harlow Carr' blooms make them a favorite subject for photographers and artists, serving as inspiration or the focal point in their works.
- Garden Companionship: Planting sweet pea 'Harlow Carr' near vegetables like tomatoes can enhance the overall aesthetics of a vegetable garden and attract pollinators beneficial for vegetable crops.
- Memory Gardens: Due to their fragrance, sweet peas like 'Harlow Carr' are sometimes planted in memory gardens as a way to remember loved ones, with their scent evoking memories and emotional responses.
- Event Decor: Sweet pea 'Harlow Carr' can be incorporated into event decorations, such as weddings or parties, adding natural beauty and a pleasant scent to venues.
- Craft Projects: The flowers and vines of the sweet pea can be used in various craft projects, from creating flower crowns to decorating handmade cards or scrapbooks.
- Perfumery: Though not commonly used commercially, the fragrance of sweet pea 'Harlow Carr' could be captured in small-scale or artisanal perfumery projects.
- Culinary Garnish: While not edible, the sweet pea flowers can make for a pretty, non-toxic garnish for plating and presentation in high-end culinary dishes, as long as they are removed before consumption.
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- Blissful Pleasure: As a variety of sweet pea, Lathyrus odoratus 'Harlow Carr' commonly symbolizes blissful pleasure due to its sweet fragrance and delicate blossoms, which are often associated with enjoyable and pleasurable experiences.
- Goodbye: Sweet pea flowers have historically been used to say goodbye, as they can represent a fond farewell or an expression of gratitude.
- Delicate Pleasures: The sweet pea's soft and inviting appearance lends itself to representing delicate or gentle pleasures that are enjoyed in life.
- Thank You for a Lovely Time: Owing to its beauty and scent, the sweet pea is often given as a gesture of thanks for enjoyable company or to commemorate a special time spent with someone.
WaterSweet peas, including the 'Harlow Carr' variety, should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root development. Water them with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per square yard of soil once a week during dry weather. Reduce watering during rainy periods to prevent waterlogging. Ideally, aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy. It's best to water early in the morning or late in the afternoon to minimize evaporation and avoid wetting the foliage, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
LightSweet peas including 'Harlow Carr' thrive in full sun to partial shade. They perform best with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. An ideal spot would be one where they receive morning sun and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates to prevent the flowers from fading quickly.
TemperatureSweet peas like 'Harlow Carr' prefer cooler temperatures and will thrive in conditions between 55°F and 65°F. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 25°F once established, but growth will be stunted above 75°F. For optimal growth and flowering, maintain temperatures within the cooler range of their tolerance.
PruningPruning sweet peas like 'Harlow Carr' encourages more blooms and prevents the plant from becoming leggy. Pinch out the growing tips after the plant has developed a few pairs of leaves to promote bushier growth. Regularly remove spent flowers, or deadhead, to stimulate new blooms. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before the active growth period begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet Pea 'Harlow Carr' prefers rich, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, typically between 6.5 and 7.5. A mix containing compost, loamy soil, and sharp sand or perlite to improve drainage is ideal. Regular fertilization will help promote vigorous growth and flowering.
RepottingSweet Peas, including the 'Harlow Carr' variety, are typically grown as annuals and do not generally require repotting. They are sown directly into the garden or started in small pots and transplanted outside after the risk of frost has passed.
Humidity & MistingSweet Pea 'Harlow Carr' thrives best in average garden humidity conditions; avoid creating overly humid environments, as this could encourage fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, direct light and provide support for climbing.
Outdoor
Full sun, fertile soil, support for climbing, water deeply.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Sweet Pea 'Harlow Carr' begins its life cycle from a seed, typically sown in late winter or early spring. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops a root system and a pair of true leaves. As it grows, the plant forms a climbing stem with tendrils that allow it to grasp onto supports, entering a vegetative stage where foliage increases. The Sweet Pea 'Harlow Carr' then enters the flowering stage, usually mid-spring to early summer, producing fragrant blooms that attract pollinators. After pollination, flowers develop into pods containing seeds, and as the pods mature, they eventually dry and release seeds to complete the cycle. In cold climates, the plant is annual, dying off with the first frost, while in milder areas, it may persist but typically requires replanting each year for robust blooms.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The sweet pea 'Harlow Carr' is traditionally propagated by seed sowing. The ideal time to sow sweet pea seeds is in late winter or early spring, although sowing in autumn can also be successful for early blooms. The seeds have a hard coat, which can be softened by soaking in water for 24 hours before sowing. This helps to encourage germination. Seeds are typically planted about an inch deep (2.54 cm or about 25.4 mm) into well-drained soil and spaced about 2 to 3 inches apart (5.08 to 7.62 cm or about 50.8 to 76.2 mm). Providing a support structure for the climbing vines at planting time will assist in the proper growth of the plants. Once the seedlings emerge and grow to a few inches tall, they should be thinned to prevent overcrowding, which can inhibit their flourishing.
