Sweet pea 'King Edward VII' Lathyrus odoratus 'King Edward VII'
ABOUT
'King Edward VII' is an annual climber with fragrant, crimson flowers in summer and early autumn
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Garden Pea, Sweet Pea 'King Edward VII'.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus 'King Edward VII'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant produces vibrant red flowers which add color and beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The sweet pea blooms have a pleasant scent which can perfume an outdoor space and is popular for cut flowers in bouquets.
- Easy to Grow: Sweet peas are relatively easy to cultivate, which makes them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Attracts Pollinators: Sweet peas attract bees and butterflies, which helps pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Climbing Habit: Being a climbing plant, Sweet pea can be used to cover trellises, fences, and other structures, providing vertical interest in the garden.
- Fast Growing: They are quick to germinate and grow, providing quick results for an impatient gardener.
- Edging: Sweet peas can also be used to create beautiful borders or edges in garden beds.
- Improves Soil: As a legume, it can improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen from the air into the soil through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in its roots.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sweet pea flowers can be used in potpourri mixtures, providing a pleasant fragrance when dried and combined with other dried flowers and spices.
- The stems and vines of sweet peas, after they have finished flowering, can be added to compost bins to enrich future soil as they decompose.
- Sweet pea blooms can serve as natural dyes, with the petals sometimes being used to tint fabrics or paper in shades of pink and purple.
- The flowers can be used in crafts, such as flower pressing, where they are preserved for scrapbooking or decorative arts.
- In gardening, sweet pea plants can act as a natural support for other climbing plants if they are grown together.
- During special events, the vibrant sweet pea flowers can be strung into garlands or hung in bunches to provide natural decoration.
- The climbing habit of sweet peas can be utilized to create living screens for privacy in gardens or on patios.
- Creative gardeners might use the sturdy vines of sweet peas to sculpt living art by training them to grow into interesting shapes or patterns on trellises.
- Sweet pea seed pods, once dried, can be used in crafts for creating rattles or as a component in artistic projects.
- The fragrant flowers can be placed in bowls of water to create simple and natural floating centerpieces for outdoor tables.
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 peas, such as Lathyrus odoratus 'King Edward VII', have been traditionally associated with pleasure and enjoying the sweet moments in life, often representing delicate pleasures that are savored for their fleeting beauty.
- Goodbye or Departure: Sweet peas can also represent a bidding farewell, either wishing someone a lovely goodbye or expressing your own feelings as you leave a phase of life or embark on a new journey.
- Thank You for a Lovely Time: These flowers are often used to express gratitude for time spent with someone, making them ideal for gifting after a pleasant visit or event.
- Delicate or Blissful Pleasure: They reinforce the notion of seeking out and appreciating the simple joys in life.
- Nostalgia and Remembrance: Sometimes, sweet peas are used to evoke memories of past experiences or relationships, symbolizing a longing for what has passed but is cherished in memory.
WaterSweet peas, including the 'King Edward VII' variety, prefer consistent moisture but do not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Water thoroughly once a week, providing about one inch of water which translates to approximately 0.6 gallons per square yard. In hotter, dry periods, increase watering frequency to maintain moist soil as sweet peas have a tendency to wilt in high heat. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During the blooming period, they may require more water to sustain their flowers, so adjust accordingly.
Light'King Edward VII' sweet peas thrive in full sunlight. They perform best when provided with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for these sweet peas is in an area that receives unfiltered morning sunlight and partial shade during the most intense afternoon heat to prevent wilting and stress.
TemperatureSweet peas, such as the 'King Edward VII', prefer cooler temperatures and will thrive when daytime temperatures are between 55°F and 65°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 40°F, but frost can damage the plant. The maximum temperature sweet peas can withstand is around 75°F; higher temperatures can lead to decreased flowering.
PruningPrune 'King Edward VII' sweet peas to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch off the tips when they are 4 to 6 inches tall. Deadhead frequently to prolong flowering. Prune back to healthy buds after the first flush of flowers to stimulate a second blooming. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet peas prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. For best results, mix garden soil with compost and peat moss to improve fertility and drainage.
RepottingSweet peas are typically annuals, so repotting is not commonly done. However, if grown as perennials, repot every 1-2 years in early spring.
Humidity & MistingSweet peas thrive in moderate humidity levels; they can tolerate a range from average to high, as long as there's good air circulation to prevent disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full sun, cool temperatures, and a trellis for support.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, provide support, and ensure well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleSweet pea 'King Edward VII' begins its life as a hard-coated seed, which needs to be sown in late winter to early spring. Once germinated, the seedling emerges with a pair of leaves and begins to develop a vining stem that requires support as it grows. As it matures, more leaves and tendrils develop, and the plant starts to flower in late spring or early summer, producing fragrant, deep crimson blossoms. After pollination, typically by bees, the flowers form seed pods containing several seeds each. As summer progresses, the plant continues to produce flowers while the seed pods mature and eventually dry out. When the pods are fully dry, they release the seeds, completing the plant's life cycle and ready to start anew when conditions are favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagating Sweet Pea 'King Edward VII' is by sowing seeds. The best time to plant Sweet Pea seeds is either in late fall or early spring; for fall sowing, this coincides with the cooler temperatures that are conducive to the seed’s germination process, whereas in spring, one must wait until the soil can be worked and has warmed up slightly. To propagate by seed, first, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat. After soaking, plant the seeds about an inch deep (2.54 cm) in well-drained soil, spacing them 2 to 3 inches apart (5.08 to 7.62 cm). Provide the seeds with consistent moisture and if planted in spring, they typically germinate within 10 to 14 days. Once the seedlings emerge and grow to a few inches tall, thin them to allow approximately 5 to 6 inches (12.7 to 15.24 cm) between plants to ensure ample growing space.
