Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Henry Thomas'
ABOUT
The sweet pea 'Henry Thomas' is a captivating flowering plant known for its beautiful and fragrant blossoms. This variety sports rich, deep maroon petals that exude a warm, inviting scent. The flowers are sizable and possess a classic sweet pea shape, with each one showcasing a standard petal, also referred to as the 'banner,' which is the large, upright petal at the back of the flower. Below this, there are two lateral petals known as 'wings,' which flank a lower, boat-shaped petal termed the 'keel.' The blooms are clustered at the top of the stems, creating a striking visual display. The foliage consists of slender, green leaves, which are pinnate, meaning they have multiple small leaflets on each side of a central stem. These leaflets are oval to lance-shaped and arranged in opposing pairs, giving the plant an overall delicate and feathery appearance. This variety of sweet pea is appreciated for its ornamental qualities, making it a popular choice for adding bursts of deep, bold color and delightful fragrance to gardens and floral arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
Sweet Pea, Sweetpea, Everlasting Pea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus 'Henry Thomas'
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea, including Lathyrus odoratus 'Henry Thomas', contains toxic amino acids, particularly in the seeds and seedpods. If ingested, these compounds can cause a condition known as lathyrism. Symptoms may include paralysis, labored breathing, convulsions, and potentially can be fatal if large quantities are consumed.
To pets
Sweet pea, including Lathyrus odoratus 'Henry Thomas', is also toxic to pets, such as cats and dogs, due to the same amino acids present in humans. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, seizures, and more severe cases might lead to paralysis or respiratory failure if large amounts are ingested. It's important to prevent pets from consuming any part of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.30 meter)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetically Pleasing: 'Henry Thomas' sweet peas provide vibrant deep maroon flowers that can significantly enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: These plants are well-known for their strong and sweet fragrance, which can add a pleasant olfactory dimension to outdoor and indoor spaces.
- Pollinator Attraction: Sweet peas attract a variety of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which is beneficial for the pollination of nearby plants and the overall health of the garden ecosystem.
- Cut Flowers: The flowers of 'Henry Thomas' sweet peas are excellent for cutting and can be used to create beautiful bouquets and floral arrangements that can last several days indoors.
- Vertical Interest: As climbing plants, sweet peas can be trained up trellises, fences, or other supports, providing vertical interest and maximizing the use of garden space.
- Seasonal Colour: They are typically planted in the spring and can provide colour throughout the summer months, offering seasonal variation in the garden.
- Easy to Grow: Sweet peas are relatively easy to grow and maintain, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels, including beginners.
- Seeds Harvesting: Gardeners can harvest seeds from the 'Henry Thomas' sweet peas to propagate new plants for the next season, promoting self-sufficiency and sustainability in gardening practices.
- Edging Plants: Due to their size and growth habit, sweet peas can be used as low hedges or edging plants to define garden beds and pathways.
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: Sweet peas such as 'Henry Thomas' are prized for their delicate flowers and strong fragrance, making them an excellent choice for creating beautiful, fragrant bouquets.
- Educational Tool: Sweet peas can be grown as part of a gardening education program to teach children about plant growth, pollination, and horticulture.
- Companion Planting: They are often used in companion planting to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to gardens, which can benefit the pollination of nearby fruit and vegetable crops.
- Crafts: The flexible vines and colorful flowers of the sweet pea can be woven into floral crowns, wreaths, or other decorative items.
- Photography: The vivid colors and attractive form of sweet pea flowers make them a popular subject for both professional and amateur photographers, enhancing the visual appeal of gardens in photographs.
- Natural Dye: The petals of sweet peas can be used to create natural dyes for coloring textiles or paper.
- Perfumery: The fragrance of sweet peas can be captured and used in the making of natural perfumes or scented sachets.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely known for their edibility, sweet pea flowers can be used as an ornamental garnish for culinary dishes, provided they are free of pesticides.
- Seed Art: Dried sweet pea seeds can be used in art projects, such as mosaics or as embellishments on greeting cards and other crafts.
- Literary Inspiration: The beauty and fragrance of sweet peas have inspired poets and writers, often being used as a literary motif or symbol in poems and stories.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSweet pea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySweet pea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Blissful Pleasure: Sweet pea, including the Lathyrus odoratus 'Henry Thomas', is often associated with blissful pleasure due to its enchanting fragrance and beautiful appearance.
- Goodbye or Departure: The sweet pea can symbolize a fond farewell or goodbye, as it was traditionally given to wish someone a good journey.
- Delicate or Blissful Pleasure: Its delicate blossoms are indicative of pleasures that are enjoyed for the fleeting moments they last.
- Thankfulness: Gifting sweet peas can be a way of expressing gratitude for a lovely time or thanks for the pleasure of someone's company.
WaterSweet Pea 'Henry Thomas' should be watered once a week with approximately 1 inch of water, or the equivalent of 0.62 gallons per square foot of soil, to maintain consistent soil moisture. Ensure that the water reaches deep into the soil to encourage the roots to grow downwards, making the plant more drought resistant. Increase the frequency of watering during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather to twice a week. The watering can be reduced during the cooler months, especially if natural rainfall is sufficient. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
LightSweet Pea 'Henry Thomas' grows best in full sun conditions, which means it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It is crucial to choose a spot where the plant will be exposed to plenty of light in the morning, and possibly some light afternoon shade in hotter climates. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this could hinder flowering and cause leggy growth.
TemperatureSweet Peas 'Henry Thomas' prefer cooler temperatures, thriving in an ideal temperature range between 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate minimum temperatures down to the low 50s Fahrenheit, but frost can be damaging. The maximum temperature should not exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, as Sweet Peas prefer the cooler parts of the growing season and prolonged heat can impact flowering.
PruningSweet Peas 'Henry Thomas' benefit from regular pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch off the tops when plants are 4 to 6 inches tall to stimulate side shoots. After the first flush of flowers, deadhead regularly by removing spent blooms. This will encourage further flowering. Pruning is best done in the early morning or late evening during cooler parts of the day.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet Pea 'Henry Thomas' thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A mix containing equal parts of loam, perlite or sand, and compost or aged manure is ideal. The pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline, around 6.5 to 7.5.
RepottingSweet Peas are annuals and do not typically require repotting as they are sown each year and live for only one season before the lifecycle is completed.
Humidity & MistingSweet Peas such as 'Henry Thomas' prefer moderate humidity levels, but they are adaptable to various conditions as long as they are not in constantly dry air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Sweet Peas in a bright spot, ensure adequate ventilation and support growth with stakes.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun, support with trellis, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleSweet pea 'Henry Thomas' begins its life cycle when a seed is sown, typically in the early spring, directly into well-drained soil. The seed germinates, developing roots and a shoot that emerges from the soil, usually within 7 to 15 days, depending on the soil temperature. As it grows, it develops a climbing habit, requiring support such as a trellis or stake, with the foliage consisting of pinnate leaves and tendrils that cling to supports. The plant reaches maturity and begins flowering in late spring to early summer, showing off its deep red, fragrant flowers which are popular among gardeners. After pollination, typically by bees, it sets seed pods that elongate and fill with seeds. At the end of the growing season, the plant dries and drops its seeds, which can germinate the following spring to start the life cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Sweet Pea 'Henry Thomas' is commonly propagated by seeds. The best time to sow Sweet Pea seeds is typically in late winter or early spring to allow for a longer growing period, which leads to stronger plants. You can start seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost or sow them directly outdoors when the soil can be worked and has warmed to about 55°F (13°C). To improve germination rates, seeds may be nicked with a sharp knife or soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. Plant the seeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep in well-draining soil, spaced approximately 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm) apart. Provide support for climbing and expect germination within 10 to 21 days under optimal conditions. The fragrant blooms will follow in the summer months to be enjoyed during the growing season.
