Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Patricia Anne'
ABOUT
Lathyrus odoratus 'Patricia Anne', commonly known as sweet pea 'Patricia Anne', is a flowering plant that features an attractive display of fragrant blossoms. The flowers are what truly make this cultivar stand out; they present a stunning combination of colors, usually with intricate bi-color patterns. Petals are often a delicate shade of one color, beautifully blended or edged with a contrasting hue. The blossoms consist of a few petals, including large, broad standard petals that encase smaller, more delicate wing petals. These blooms form a complex, almost butterfly-like appearance, inviting a closer look to appreciate their detail and form. The sweet pea flowers exude a sweet, captivating fragrance that is most intense in the early morning and evening, and can perfume an entire garden space. Foliage of the sweet pea 'Patricia Anne' is typical of sweet peas, with green, slender stems and leaves that are compound in structure. The leaves are formed by leaflets that are accompanied by thread-like tendrils, which the plant uses to twine and climb for support, often gripping onto trellises or other structures nearby. Overall, the visual presentation of sweet pea 'Patricia Anne' is one of elegance and charm, with its alluring flowers and graceful foliage creating an ornamental spectacle that appeals to gardeners and onlookers alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
Sweet Pea, Eternal Pea, Perennial Pea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus 'Patricia Anne'
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea, including the variety Lathyrus odoratus 'Patricia Anne', is considered mildly toxic when ingested due to its content of amino acids such as ODAP (β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid) and related compounds. While casual contact with the plant is generally safe, ingesting large amounts can lead to a condition known as lathyrism. Symptoms of mild poisoning may include gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Chronic or severe ingestion can potentially lead to more serious neurological effects including muscle weakness and paralysis, but such extreme cases are rare and associated with consuming very large quantities of the seeds over a prolonged period.
To pets
Sweet pea, including the variety Lathyrus odoratus 'Patricia Anne', is toxic to pets if ingested. The plant contains amino acids, such as ODAP, which can be harmful. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include lethargy, seizures, tremors, and in severe cases, more pronounced neurological signs if large amounts are consumed. Mild ingestion might cause vomiting or diarrhea. It's advisable to prevent pets from ingesting parts of the sweet pea plant to minimize the risk of toxic effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Lathyrus odoratus 'Patricia Anne', commonly known as Sweet Pea, has vibrant flowers that beautify gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: Sweet Peas are well-known for their delightful scent, which can add a pleasing aroma to the areas where they are planted.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, aiding in the pollination of garden plants and promoting biodiversity.
- Cut Flowers: Sweet Peas are excellent for cut flower arrangements with their long stems and colorful blooms, which can last for several days in a vase.
- Easy to Grow: They are relatively easy to cultivate, making them suitable for gardeners of various skill levels.
- Vertical Gardening: With their climbing nature, Sweet Peas are ideal for vertical gardening, allowing gardeners to make the most of limited space.
- Educational Value: Growing Sweet Peas can be used for educational purposes, teaching children and beginners about plant growth and horticulture.
- Seasonal Interest: They provide seasonal interest in gardens, particularly in spring and summer when they are in full bloom.
- Companion Planting: Sweet Peas can be used in companion planting to potentially help deter certain pests from more sensitive crops or plants.
- Cultural Significance: Sweet Peas have a rich history and are often associated with positive meanings, such as pleasure, in the language of flowers.
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 'Patricia Anne' can be used in floral photography due to its vibrant color and appealing structure, making it an excellent subject for macro and portrait flower photography.
- The stems of sweet pea 'Patricia Anne' can be woven into lightweight natural trellises and support structures for other climbing plants in the garden.
- Dried sweet pea petals can be incorporated into natural confetti for weddings or celebrations, providing an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic confetti.
- Sweet pea flowers can be pressed and used in artistic creations such as bookmarks, greeting cards, or in decoupage projects.
- The colorful blossoms can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, providing hues ranging from soft purples to deep blues.
- As an educational tool, sweet pea 'Patricia Anne' can be used in schools or community programs to teach about plant biology, pollination, and horticulture.
- Sweet pea vines can be used in crafting, such as creating organic, biodegradable wreaths and other decorative items for the home.
- Fragrant sweet pea flowers can be used in the creation of potpourri, adding a pleasant aroma to drawers, closets, or rooms.
- Sweet pea seeds can be used in art projects; they can be painted and glued to canvases or boards to create mosaics or textured pieces.
- Sweet pea flowers can serve as gentle, natural decorations for cakes and pastries when properly cleaned and ensured they are free from any chemicals or pesticides.
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- Pleasure: Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus 'Patricia Anne') has a delightful fragrance that has long been associated with pleasure and enjoyment.
- Goodbye: In the language of flowers, sweet pea can signify a departure or farewell, often wishing the recipient a blissful life ahead.
- Delicate Pleasures: The sweet pea's fragile and ethereal blooms represent the delicate pleasures of life that are to be savored.
- Thankfulness: Gifting sweet peas can be a way of expressing gratitude and thankfulness for a kind deed or a pleasurable time spent together.
- Blissful Pleasure: Often associated with blissful pleasure, the intoxicating scent and charming appearance of the sweet pea delight the senses.
- Friendship: The sweet pea can symbolize lasting friendship and the bonds that tie friends together, making them popular in bouquets given to friends.
WaterSweet peas, including the 'Patricia Anne' variety, require consistent moisture to thrive but do not like to be waterlogged. Water them deeply about once a week, providing about one gallon per plant to ensure the water reaches deep into the soil. During particularly hot or dry periods, you may need to water more frequently, possibly every 3-4 days, to maintain even soil moisture. Be careful not to overwater, as sweet peas are prone to rot if left in soggy soil. Always check the top inch of soil before watering; if it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water.
LightSweet peas, like 'Patricia Anne', perform best in full sun, meaning they should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, they will appreciate some afternoon shade in regions with extremely hot summers. Choose a spot that offers bright light for most of the day to encourage vigorous growth and abundant blooming. Avoid deeply shaded areas, as this can lead to weak stems and fewer flowers.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for sweet peas, including 'Patricia Anne', is between 55°F and 65°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of 50°F and a maximum temperature of around 75°F. Sweet peas are cool-season plants and may begin to decline in hotter conditions, so provide shade or plant in a location that avoids the heat of the midday sun in warmer climates.
PruningPruning sweet peas like 'Patricia Anne' is vital for encouraging more blooms and preventing the plant from becoming leggy. Pinch out the growing tips when the plants have reached about 4 inches in height to stimulate bushy growth. Once the plants are actively growing, you can deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage more flowers. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before the new growth begins in earnest.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet peas prefer a rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. For Lathyrus odoratus 'Patricia Anne', a mix of loamy soil with aged compost and well-rotted manure will provide nutrients and good drainage. A two-inch layer of mulch can help retain moisture and keep roots cool.
RepottingSweet peas, like Lathyrus odoratus 'Patricia Anne', are generally not repotted as they are annual plants. They complete their life cycle in one growing season and are then replaced with new plants the following year.
Humidity & MistingSweet peas such as Lathyrus odoratus 'Patricia Anne' thrive in moderate humidity conditions. They are not particularly demanding in terms of humidity but prefer not to be too dry; a range of 40-60% is ideal for healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow sweet peas in a sunny spot with a trellis for support.
Outdoor
Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with support for climbing.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleSweet pea 'Patricia Anne’ starts its life as a seed, which upon sowing in early spring and with proper warmth and moisture, germinates to give rise to a seedling. The seedling grows rapidly, developing a sturdy stem and compound leaves, and establishes a root system. As it matures, it goes through a vegetative stage where it produces long, climbing tendrils and requires support to grow upwards. Following the vegetative stage, the plant enters the flowering phase, usually in late spring or early summer, where it produces fragrant, colorful flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into pods, containing the seeds that will mature by late summer. Finally, once the seeds are mature, the plant begins to senesce, completing its annual life cycle; it may leave behind seeds which can start the cycle anew if environmental conditions are favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Lathyrus odoratus 'Patricia Anne', commonly known as Sweet Pea 'Patricia Anne', is best propagated by seed. The ideal time to sow Sweet Pea seeds is in late winter or early spring, allowing for a period of cold stratification which can improve germination rates. To propagate Sweet Peas by seed, one would first soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer coating. After soaking, seeds are sown about an inch deep in well-draining soil and spaced about 2 to 3 inches apart. It's important to provide some form of support for the climbing tendrils to grasp as they grow. Germination typically occurs within 10 to 14 days if kept at a temperature around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius). Seedlings can be thinned out or transplanted to their final growing position once they have developed a couple of true leaves and the risk of frost has passed.
