Sweet pea 'Lucy Hawthorne' Lathyrus odoratus 'Lucy Hawthorne'
ABOUT
'Lucy Hawthorne' is an annual climber to around 2m tall bearing scented, white flowers from summer into autumn and producing pale-coloured seeds
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Peavine, Sweetpea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
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: Adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens with its attractive flowers.
- Fragrance: Releases a sweet scent that can be enjoyed when planted in gardens or used as cut flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: Draws in bees and butterflies, which help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being an easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive with basic gardening skills.
- Companion Planting: Can be used effectively in companion planting to benefit other plants in the garden.
- Versatility: Suitable for planting in beds, borders, and containers, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides seasonal blooms, usually in the spring and summer, adding dynamic changes to garden landscapes.
- Cutting Garden: An excellent choice for a cutting garden, providing material for bouquets and floral arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Shoots: Young shoots of sweet pea 'Lucy Hawthorne' can be consumed when cooked, however, this should be done with caution due to the potential presence of a neurotoxin, especially in other varieties of Lathyrus.
- Floral Art: The attractive flowers of sweet pea 'Lucy Hawthorne' can be used in floral arrangements and Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, due to their vivid color and fragrance.
- Photography Subject: With its striking blooms, sweet pea 'Lucy Hawthorne' is an ideal subject for botanical photography, supporting amateur and professional photographers in their quest for capturing the beauty of plants.
- Natural Dye: The vibrant petals of sweet pea 'Lucy Hawthorne' can be used to create natural dyes for textiles or art projects, yielding beautiful shades of purples and pinks.
- Educational Tool: The growth and development of sweet pea flowers like 'Lucy Hawthorne' can be studied and observed in educational settings, such as schools and botanical studies, as an example of plant development and genetics.
- Companion Planting: Sweet peas, including the 'Lucy Hawthorne' cultivar, can be used in companion planting to enhance the growth of certain vegetables by fixing nitrogen in the soil, although they should be planted with caution due to potential toxicity to animals.
- Craft Supplies: Dried flowers and seed pods of sweet pea 'Lucy Hawthorne' can be used in crafting, for creating items like potpourri or decorative wreaths.
- Perfumery: Although not common, the fragrance of sweet pea 'Lucy Hawthorne' could potentially be used as inspiration for natural perfumes or scented oils, capturing its sweet scent.
- Seed Art: The seeds of sweet pea 'Lucy Hawthorne' can be used in seed art, as they are distinct and decorative; however, they should be handled with care due to potential toxicity.
- Horticultural Shows: Sweet pea 'Lucy Hawthorne' is a popular choice for exhibition at horticultural shows due to its showy flowers and potential for winning awards for their beauty and fragrance.
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: Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus 'Lucy Hawthorne') often symbolizes blissful pleasure due to its delightful fragrance and delicate flowers, which evoke a sense of enjoyment and contentment.
- Goodbye: In the language of flowers, sweet pea can signify a farewell or departure, possibly reflecting the fleeting nature of its bloom.
- Thank You for a Lovely Time: Sweet pea is also used to express gratitude for a pleasant experience or encounter, often given after having a good time with someone.
- Delicate or Blissful Pleasure: Its soft and sensuous scent has been associated with tender, pleasurable moments, and thus the flower can represent delicate emotions or pleasures.
WaterSweet peas, such as 'Lucy Hawthorne', prefer their soil to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plants deeply once a week with about one gallon of water per plant, ensuring that the water reaches the roots. During hot or dry periods, increase watering to twice per week. Reduce watering during rainy spells to prevent overwatering. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering—if it's dry, it's time to water; if it's still moist, wait a bit longer.
LightSweet peas like 'Lucy Hawthorne' thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. For best growth, plant them in a spot where they will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Avoid excessively hot conditions by providing some afternoon shade in very warm climates.
TemperatureSweet peas, including 'Lucy Hawthorne', grow well in temperatures between 55°F and 65°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50°F and a maximum of about 75°F. Avoid exposing them to extreme heat or frost, as temperatures outside of their comfort range can impede growth and flowering.
PruningPrune sweet peas such as 'Lucy Hawthorne' to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Pinch off the tips of the plant when they are about 4 inches tall. Continue to remove faded flowers regularly to prolong blooming. The best time for pruning is during the cooler parts of the day, either in the morning or late afternoon.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet Peas prefer well-draining soil enriched with organic matter; a mix of loamy soil, peat moss, and perlite works well. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to optimize growth for 'Lucy Hawthorne'.
RepottingSweet Peas, including the 'Lucy Hawthorne' variety, are typically sown directly outdoors and do not require repotting. In containers, repot annually before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingSweet Peas like 'Lucy Hawthorne' thrive in moderate humidity conditions; they do not require high humidity and can tolerate the humidity levels found in most outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, enrich soil, and provide support.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleSweet pea 'Lucy Hawthorne' begins life as a seed planted in well-draining soil, often in early spring or late fall. The seed germinates, and a seedling emerges, developing true leaves and beginning the vegetative growth phase where the plant grows in size and strength. As temperatures increase in spring or summer, the plant enters the flowering stage, producing fragrant blooms that range in color, often attracting pollinators to the garden. Following pollination, the flowers develop into pods containing seeds, marking the plant's reproductive stage. As the growing season ends, the sweet pea completes its annual life cycle when it dies back after seed maturation, although seeds can be collected and stored for the next planting season. Replanting the seeds the following year continues the lifecycle of the 'Lucy Hawthorne' variety.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The Lathyrus odoratus 'Lucy Hawthorne', commonly known as Sweet Pea, is generally propagated by seed. To propagate Sweet Peas, the best time is in late winter or early spring, depending on the local climate, so that the plant can establish itself before the heat of summer. To encourage germination, some gardeners suggest nicking the seed coat with a file or soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting. Once prepared, the seeds can be sown directly into well-drained soil at a depth of about 1 inch (2.54 cm), spaced 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm) apart, and in a location where they will receive full sun to partial shade. Keep the soil moist until germination, which typically occurs within 10 to 21 days. Sweet Peas prefer cool temperatures and can handle light frosts, making early sowing advantageous for their growth. The fragrant, climbing vines will require support as they grow, so providing a trellis or similar structure upon planting will allow for an optimal floral display.
