Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Mollie Rilstone'
ABOUT
The Sweet Pea 'Mollie Rilstone' is a charming garden plant known for its beautiful flowers and sweet fragrance. This cultivar displays a stunning combination of soft pink petals that transition into a creamy ivory color towards their edges, giving them a delicate, almost watercolor-like appearance. These whimsically colored petals are adorned with a striking, bold pink picotee edge. The large, ruffled blooms grow in clusters at the top of slender, climbing stems that are accompanied by pairs of small, green, leaf-like structures known as tendrils, which the plant uses to cling to supports and gracefully climb. The overall effect is one of elegance and vintage beauty, making 'Mollie Rilstone' a lovely addition to trellises, fences, and garden supports where it can showcase its floral display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea is generally considered to be mildly poisonous to humans if ingested in large quantities. The seeds and the seed pods are the most toxic parts of the plant. They contain a compound called Lathyrogens, which can cause a condition known as lathyrism if consumed in large amounts over time. Lathyrism is a neurological disease that can lead to symptoms such as weakness, convulsions, and potentially paralysis. In most cases, casual contact or small accidental ingestions of sweet pea are unlikely to cause serious harm, but eating the seeds particularly in large quantities should certainly be avoided.
To pets
Sweet pea is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The seeds and pods contain Lathyrogens, which can lead to lathyrism in animals, just as in humans. Symptoms of toxicity in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy, tremors, seizures, and more severe neurological signs if large amounts are ingested. Pet owners should prevent their pets from ingesting any part of the sweet pea plant, but the seeds and seed pods are of particular concern. If ingestion is suspected, it is important to consult a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Bicolor pink and cream
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Lathyrus odoratus 'Mollie Rilstone', commonly known as sweet pea, has delicate, ruffled flowers in soft cream with a pink blush, which make it a visually stunning addition to any garden or floral arrangement.
- Fragrance: Sweet peas are well known for their delightful fragrance, which can add a pleasant aroma to the garden and indoors when used as cut flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: Sweet peas attract bees and butterflies, which help pollinate other plants in your garden.
- Vertical Interest: Sweet peas are climbing plants that can be trained up trellises, fences, and other structures, adding vertical interest to garden design.
- Easy to Grow: They are relatively easy to cultivate, making them a good choice for novice gardeners and those with limited gardening experience.
- Seasonal Color: Sweet peas bloom profusely in spring and early summer, providing seasonal color to garden spaces during these times.
- Versatility: They can be grown in flower beds, containers, and hanging baskets, offering versatility in gardening approaches.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lathyrus odoratus 'Mollie Rilstone' can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, imparting a range of soft colors depending on the mordant used.
- The plant's stems can be woven into intricate patterns to create decorative wreaths and other ornamental items.
- The distinctive seed pods can be dried and used in flower arrangements or as part of craft projects for textural contrast.
- Sweet pea vines are sometimes used in the garden to create natural screens or living curtains along fences or trellises.
- In floristry, sweet pea flowers are utilized for their fragrance and delicate appearance in bridal bouquets and boutonnieres.
- The dried flowers retain much of their fragrance and can be used to make potpourri or scented sachets for drawers and closets.
- During educational activities, sweet pea flowers serve as a tool to teach children about plant biology and the process of pollination.
- Artists may use the varied hues of sweet pea flowers as a living palette for practicing color theory and composition in still life paintings.
- The hollowed-out vines of the sweet pea can be used by creative gardeners to direct the growth of other climbing plants for interesting garden effects.
- Lathyrus odoratus 'Mollie Rilstone' can inspire perfumers who seek to capture the essence of its fragrance in their scent creations.
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- Delicate Pleasure: Sweet pea flowers like 'Mollie Rilstone' often symbolize delicate pleasures or enjoying the sweet life due to their charming fragrance and appearance.
- Goodbye or Departure: Giving someone sweet peas can imply a wish of farewell or an expression of gratitude for a good time, making it an appropriate flower for farewells or when someone is moving away.
- Blissful Pleasure: The sweet pea is also associated with blissful pleasure, reflecting the joy and satisfaction one can find in life's simple delights.
- Thank You for a Lovely Time: Historically, sweet peas have been given to express appreciation for time spent together, making them a polite token of gratitude for hospitality or company.
WaterFor 'Mollie Rilstone' sweet peas, regular watering is crucial, particularly during dry spells. They prefer to be kept moist but not waterlogged. The soil should be checked every few days, and the plant should be watered deeply once or twice a week, applying approximately 1-2 gallons per watering, depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. Increase frequency during hot, dry weather or if the plants are in containers. Make sure water penetrates to the root zone without leaving the soil soggy.
Light'Mollie Rilstone' sweet peas thrive in full sun, meaning they need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place them in a spot where they receive morning sunlight and some light afternoon shade if possible, especially in hotter climates. This will help protect the flowers from wilting under intense afternoon heat.
TemperatureSweet peas, including 'Mollie Rilstone', prefer cooler temperatures and can survive minimum temperatures down to 25°F, but they grow best when the temperature stays between 55°F and 65°F. They can tolerate a maximum temperature of around 75°F before they start to decline, especially during flowering.
PruningPruning 'Mollie Rilstone' sweet peas is important to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch out the growing tip when the plant is about 4-6 inches tall to encourage side shoots. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong the blooming period. The best time for major pruning to shape the plant is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet Pea 'Mollie Rilstone' thrives in rich, well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A good mix would consist of loamy garden soil, compost, and perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage. Adding aged manure or worm castings can provide additional nutrients beneficial for growth.
RepottingSweet Peas, including the 'Mollie Rilstone' variety, are typically not repotted as they are annuals. They should be sown directly where they are to flower, either in the ground or in a deep container, since they have a long taproot and don't transplant well.
Humidity & MistingSweet Pea 'Mollie Rilstone' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to a range of conditions as long as they are not too extreme. They will perform well in the average humidity found in outdoor garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and stake for support.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, use supports, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life stages of the Sweet Pea 'Mollie Rilstone' begin with the germination of seeds, which occurs in spring when soil temperatures become favorable. Once the seedlings emerge, they develop true leaves and begin to form a strong root system. The plant progresses to the vegetative stage, growing rapidly and producing climbing tendrils to support its upward growth. As summer approaches, the Sweet Pea 'Mollie Rilstone' enters the flowering stage, where it produces fragrant, bi-colored pink and cream blossoms, attracting pollinators. Following pollination, the plant forms seed pods, and once the seeds mature, the pods dry and release the seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant is an annual, so after seed dispersal, it dies back, leaving the new seeds to carry on the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Lathyrus odoratus 'Mollie Rilstone', more commonly known as sweet pea 'Mollie Rilstone', is typically propagated through seeds. The best time to sow sweet pea seeds is in late winter to early spring, as this affords a longer growing period for the plants to establish before the hot summer weather. To propagate sweet peas by seeds, one should initially soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer coating. Afterward, the seeds can be sown about 1 inch deep in well-draining soil and spaced about 2 to 3 inches apart. Germination usually occurs within 7 to 15 days in temperatures ranging between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit (13-18 degrees Celsius). Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be thinned out or transplanted to their final growing positions, ensuring they have some support for climbing as sweet peas are vining plants. Regular watering and training the vines onto a support will help the young plants to establish and ultimately bloom with fragrant flowers.
