Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Kate Cumberpatch'
ABOUT
The plant in question is commonly known as sweet pea, specifically the 'Kate Cumberpatch' variety. This plant is known for its climbing habit and is often found gracing supports such as trellises or fences. Sweet peas are renowned for their delightful fragrance, which can fill a garden with a sweet floral scent. The 'Kate Cumberpatch' sweet pea bears flowers that are particularly enchanting. The petals of these blossoms are delicate and come in shades that may range from soft pastels to more vivid hues, depending on the specific cultivar. Each flower is typically made up of smaller, butterfly-like individual petals that form an intricate and inviting display. The leaves of sweet peas like 'Kate Cumberpatch' are slender and come in pairs, creating a backdrop of greenery that makes the colorful blooms stand out even more strikingly. These plants are also famed for their tendrils, which are thin, coiling structures that help the sweet pea to climb and support itself. Overall, the 'Kate Cumberpatch' sweet pea creates a visual and olfactory spectacle with its climbing nature, vibrant flowers, and sweet fragrance. It's a favored choice for gardeners wanting to add a touch of romance and enchantment to their gardens.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Fragrant Pea, Garden Pea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question, commonly known as sweet pea, contains toxic compounds known as aminopropionitrile that can lead to a condition termed lathyrism when ingested in large quantities. This toxicity primarily affects the muscles and nervous system; symptoms of poisoning can include lethargy, convulsions, and potentially paralysis. Chronic consumption can result in more severe neurological conditions, although it is relatively uncommon to ingest enough of the sweet pea to cause these symptoms because the plant is not typically considered edible.
To pets
Sweet pea toxicity in pets can be serious if ingested. It contains compounds that can lead to a condition called lathyrism. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, seizures, and more severe neurological symptoms if consumed in large quantities. Ingesting any part of the sweet pea plant could potentially lead to these adverse health effects, and it is advised to keep pets away from this plant to prevent intoxication.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Sweet Pea 'Kate Cumberpatch' offers vibrant colors and attractive sweet-scented blooms that can enhance the visual interest of gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, thereby supporting biodiversity and helping to pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Cutting Garden Plant: The flowers are ideal for cutting and creating bouquets, adding a fresh, fragrant touch to indoor environments.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be used for various landscaping purposes, such as climbing on trellises, fences, or grown as ground cover.
- Easy to Grow: Sweet Pea 'Kate Cumberpatch' is generally easy to cultivate, which makes it a great choice for beginner gardeners.
- Seasonal Color: It blooms during spring and early summer, providing a splash of color when many other plants are not yet in full bloom.
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 make a gentle and natural dye for fabrics, imparting a subtle color derived from their varied and vibrant hues.
- In perfumery: Due to their sweet fragrance, sweet pea petals and essence can be used in making perfumes and scented oils.
- As an educational tool: Sweet peas are often used in school projects to teach children about plant biology, pollination, and the process of photosynthesis.
- As a symbol in art: Sweet peas' aesthetic appeal and delicate form can inspire artists and be incorporated into various forms of artwork to symbolize beauty and tenderness.
- In floral language and customs: Different colors of sweet pea express various sentiments, and they can be used in floral arrangements to convey messages non-verbally, following the tradition of floriography.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried sweet pea petals can serve as a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti at weddings and celebrations.
- In crafting: Sweet pea flowers can be included in homemade potpourri mixes, adding color and fragrance to the creation.
- Botanical studies: As a model organism, the sweet pea can be helpful in genetic studies because of its relatively simple genome and distinctive traits.
- Culinary garnish: Although not commonly consumed, organic sweet pea flowers can be used as an ornamental garnish for specific culinary dishes, to add color and aesthetic appeal.
- Plant competition subjects: Gardeners may cultivate sweet peas competitively, showing their plants in horticultural shows and striving for awards for the best blooms.
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: The plant commonly known as Sweet Pea embodies the idea of enjoying life's delightful moments, reflecting the happiness found in friendships and personal connections.
- Goodbye and Departure: Sweet Pea can represent bidding farewell, often conveying a message of thanks and appreciation as someone departs or a relationship comes to a close.
- Delicate Pleasures: This flower symbolizes the enjoyment of delicate, fleeting pleasures in life, mirroring its own transient beauty and fragrant presence.
- Gratitude: Sweet Pea is often associated with thankfulness, making it an ideal token of appreciation for kindness and support received from others.
- Compassionate Goodbyes: Due to its association with farewells, Sweet Pea expresses a heartfelt and compassionate goodbye, perhaps when parting from a loved one or concluding a significant chapter in life.
WaterSweet peas, like the Lathyrus odoratus 'Kate Cumberpatch', should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one to one and a half gallons per square foot of soil, to encourage deep root development. During hot or dry periods, increase the frequency to twice a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Less frequent watering is required during rainy or cooler weather. The water should be applied directly to the soil around the base of the plant to minimize wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases. Avoid overhead watering to keep the leaves dry and reduce the risk of disease.
LightSweet peas, including Lathyrus odoratus 'Kate Cumberpatch', thrive best in full sun exposure, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They prefer a well-lit spot that gets morning sunlight, which is less intense than the afternoon sun. However, in regions with very hot summers, providing some afternoon shade can help prevent the flowers from fading or wilting due to excessive heat.
TemperatureSweet peas, or Lathyrus odoratus 'Kate Cumberpatch', favor cool to moderate temperature conditions and can generally tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F, though they perform best when night temperatures are between 50°F and 65°F and day temperatures do not exceed 70°F. They may struggle or fail to thrive when temperatures persistently rise above 80°F.
PruningSweet peas, like the Lathyrus odoratus 'Kate Cumberpatch', should be pruned to promote vigorous growth and to prolong the flowering period. Prune by pinching off the tips of the plant when they reach about 6 inches in height; this encourages bushy growth. Deadhead regularly by removing spent blooms to encourage new flowers. The best time for pruning is throughout the blooming season, whenever necessary.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet Pea requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A good soil mix can be achieved using equal parts garden soil, compost, and well-rotted manure to provide the nutrients these flowers need.
RepottingSweet Peas, including the 'Kate Cumberpatch' variety, do not generally require repotting as they are annual plants. They complete their life cycle within one growing season and are sown directly where they are to flower.
Humidity & MistingSweet Peas prefer moderate humidity levels, but they can tolerate a range from low to high as long as they are well-watered and receive good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cooler temps, and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, provide trellis support, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleSweet pea 'Kate Cumberpatch' begins its life cycle as a seed, which, after a period of dormancy, germinates when soil temperatures and moisture levels become suitable. During germination, the seedling emerges and begins to develop its root system and first leaves, known as cotyledons. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it grows rapidly, producing more leaves and stems, and develops tendrils that allow it to climb and support itself. Following vegetative growth, it enters the flowering stage, where buds develop and bloom into fragrant flowers, typically in the spring or summer. After pollination, which is often facilitated by bees and other insects, the flowers produce pods containing seeds. These seeds mature and, once released or harvested, can enter a period of dormancy until the next growing season, completing the life cycle of the sweet pea.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Lathyrus odoratus 'Kate Cumberpatch', commonly known as sweet pea, is typically propagated from seeds. The best time to sow sweet pea seeds is either in October to November or from January to March, aiming for planting after the last frost of the season if done in spring. The popular method of seed propagation involves first preparing the seeds by soaking them in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat, which encourages germination. Then, the seeds are sown in pots filled with pre-moistened soil, planted at a depth of about 1 inch (2.54 cm) and spaced about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm) apart. The pots should be kept in a bright area, out of direct sunlight, and maintained at a temperature of roughly 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 18 degrees Celsius). Germination usually occurs within 10 to 20 days, after which the seedlings can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before being planted in the garden.
