Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Oxford Blue'

Names

• Family

  Fabaceae.

• Synonyms

  Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Sweetpea.

• Common names

  Lathyrus odoratus 'Oxford Blue'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Sweet pea, specifically the Lathyrus odoratus 'Oxford Blue', is considered toxic due to its content of amino acids such as beta-aminopropionitrile, which can cause a condition known as lathyrism if ingested in large quantities. Lathyrism is a neurological disease that can result in symptoms such as muscle weakness, paralysis of the lower limbs, and potentially permanent paralysis and brittle bones. It is important to emphasize that poisoning is typically associated with ingesting significant amounts of the seeds over time, and casual contact or ingestion of small amounts of leaves or flowers is not typically associated with severe toxicity.

• To pets

  Sweet pea is also toxic to pets. If animals ingest sweet pea, especially the seeds, they could suffer from lathyrism, similar to humans. Symptoms in pets may include lethargy, seizures, and muscle tremors. Chronic ingestion can lead to more severe symptoms such as hind limb paralysis. Owners should prevent their pets from eating any part of the sweet pea plant to avoid the risk of toxicity.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Annuals

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Blue

• Height

  5 feet (1.5 meters)

• Spread

  1 foot (0.3 meters)

• Plant type

  Climber

• Hardiness zones

  2

• Native area

  Mediterranean

General Benefits

• Ornamental Appeal: Lathyrus odoratus 'Oxford Blue', commonly known as sweet pea, boasts striking deep blue flowers that add beauty and a splash of color to gardens and landscapes.
• Fragrance: The sweet pea is well-known for its delightful fragrance, which can create a pleasant aromatic environment in the garden or when cut and brought indoors.
• Climbing Growth: As a climbing plant, sweet pea can provide vertical interest in the garden, covering trellises, arbors, and fences and adding dimension to garden design.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Sweet peas can attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination and the health of the garden ecosystem.
• Cut Flowers: The blooms of sweet pea make excellent cut flowers that can be used in floral arrangements, bringing the garden's beauty inside the home.
• Easy to Grow: Sweet pea is known for being easy to cultivate, making it a good choice for novice gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance plants.
• Seasonal Color: This plant typically blooms in the spring, providing early color to the garden after winter months.
• Variety of Uses: Sweet pea can be used in mixed borders, as standalone features, or in container gardening, offering versatility in its use.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Cut Flower Arrangements: The Sweet Pea 'Oxford Blue' makes an excellent addition to cut flower arrangements because of its vibrant blue flowers and sweet fragrance, enhancing the visual and aromatic appeal of indoor spaces.
• Education and Research: Botanists and horticulture students may use Sweet Pea 'Oxford Blue' as a subject for genetic studies because of its distinct color, which can serve as an example for the study of plant genetics and hybridization.
• Photography and Art: Due to its striking blue flowers, Sweet Pea 'Oxford Blue' is a popular subject for photographers and artists wanting to capture its unique color and form in their works.
• Floral Crafts: The blossoms of Sweet Pea 'Oxford Blue' can be used in dried floral crafts, like making potpourri or decorative wreaths, where their color and shape can be preserved.
• Garden Design: Sweet Pea 'Oxford Blue' can be used in thematic garden designs that focus on a monochromatic color scheme or "cool" color palettes, adding depth and contrast to garden beds.
• Climbing Structures: Gardeners can use Sweet Pea 'Oxford Blue' to cover trellises, arbors, or fences, thereby making use of its climbing nature to create living walls or garden features.
• Companion Planting: This variety may be used in companion planting to help other plants grow, as sweet peas can enrich the soil with nitrogen, benefiting nearby plants that require nitrogen-rich conditions.
• Special Occasions: The blooms of Sweet Pea 'Oxford Blue' can be used to create decorative elements for events such as weddings or parties, matching color themes, or providing fresh floral accents.
• Nectar Source: When planted in gardens, Sweet Pea 'Oxford Blue' acts as a nectar source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing local biodiversity and supporting conservation efforts.
• Memory Gardens: As Sweet Pea 'Oxford Blue' is often associated with fond memories and nostalgia, it may be planted in a memory garden as a tribute to loved ones or to evoke past experiences.

Feng Shui

Sweet pea is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

Sweet pea is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Blissful Pleasure: Sweet Pea, including the 'Oxford Blue' variety, traditionally symbolizes blissful pleasure due to its intoxicating fragrance and delightful blooms.
• Goodbye or Departure: The Sweet Pea can also denote a goodbye or the end of a pleasure, as it was often used to signify a fond farewell or wishing someone a good journey.
• Delicate Pleasures: Its delicate petals and subtle hues often represent the enjoyment of delicate, fleeting pleasures that are savored in the moment.
• Thankfulness: Giving Sweet Peas as a gift can express gratitude or thanks, acknowledging someone's kindness or efforts.
• Lasting Pleasure: Despite its association with fleeting moments, Sweet Peas also symbolize the wish for a lasting pleasurable experience or memory.