Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Royal Flush'
ABOUT
The Royal Flush sweet pea is adorned with a stunning display of flamboyant flowers. These blossoms are notable for their enchanting fragrance and vibrant color, typically a mix of deep pinks and purples that create a royal and luxurious appearance. The petals have a delicate, velvety texture and are formed in a classic butterfly shape that is characteristic of sweet peas, with each flower comprising of a standard, wings, and a keel. The blossoms grow in clusters, adding to their visual impact. The foliage is bright green with slender, lance-shaped leaflets, and the plant produces tendrils that help it to climb and support itself when given a structure to grow on. Overall, the Royal Flush sweet pea is celebrated for its exuberant floral display and the delightful scent that enhances gardens or any spaces where cut flowers are displayed.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sweet Pea, Sweetpea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Spring Pea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus 'Royal Family', Lathyrus odoratus 'Royal'.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea, including the variety 'Royal Flush,' is toxic to humans if ingested. Consuming large amounts can result in a condition known as lathyrism, which is caused by the compound ODAP (β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid) found in the seeds. Symptoms of lathyrism may include muscle weakness, paralysis, and potentially permanent damage to the central nervous system. Ingesting sweet pea in small quantities is unlikely to cause serious harm, but it is still advisable to avoid consumption of any part of the plant.
To pets
Sweet pea, including the 'Royal Flush' variety, is toxic to pets as well. Ingesting the plant can lead to similar symptoms as in humans, such as lethargy, convulsions, and possibly paralysis, due to the presence of aminopropionitrile, which can lead to lathyrism. If a pet ingests part of a sweet pea plant, it is important to seek veterinary attention promptly to prevent serious health consequences.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Lathyrus odoratus 'Royal Flush', commonly known as Sweet Pea, produces vibrant and colorful flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The Sweet Pea is well-known for its delightful fragrance, which can enhance the sensory experience of any outdoor space.
- Pollinator Friendly: Sweet Pea flowers attract bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems and pollination.
- Climbing Habit: As a climbing plant, Sweet Pea can be used to cover trellises, fences, and other structures, providing vertical interest in garden design.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms make for excellent cut flowers, allowing for beautiful indoor floral arrangements.
- Easy to Grow: Sweet Pea is relatively easy for gardeners to cultivate, making it a good choice for novices and experienced gardeners alike.
- Seasonal Color: They are often grown as annuals in many climates, providing bright seasonal color throughout their growing period.
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 'Royal Flush' can be used in dried flower arrangements once the flowers have lost their freshness but still retain their shape and color.
- Their long stems make them ideal for training on small trellises or arbors in urban gardens where space is at a premium.
- The flowers can also be pressed for craft projects such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or framed botanical art.
- Some people use the seed pods for ornamental purposes in crafts, although they should be handled with care as they can be toxic if ingested.
- Sweet Pea vines may be used as a temporary privacy screen when grown along a balcony railing or patio area.
- Their vibrant colors and gentle fragrance can be incorporated into sensory gardens designed to stimulate the senses.
- The plant can be used educationally in schools for teaching children about the growth cycle of flowering plants from seed to bloom.
- In mild winter climates, Sweet Pea 'Royal Flush' can provide off-season interest when grown as a cool-season annual.
- The tendrils of the Sweet Pea plant can be fascinating for photographers and artists to capture due to their delicate spiral forms.
- Gardeners may interplant Sweet Pea 'Royal Flush' with vegetables like tomatoes to utilize vertical space and add aesthetic value to their vegetable garden.
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 peas, which include the Lathyrus odoratus 'Royal Flush', are known to symbolize delicate pleasure due to their lovely fragrance and delightful flowers.
- Goodbye and Departure: Sweet peas can also represent saying goodbye or the end of a pleasurable experience, as they were historically given to someone who was leaving or parting.
- Blissful Pleasure: Their charming scent and attractive blooms make sweet peas a symbol of blissful pleasure, enjoying the simple joys in life.
- Thank You for a Lovely Time: The sweet pea is often used to express gratitude for a pleasurable time spent together, making it a thoughtful gesture of appreciation.
WaterSweet peas require consistent moisture to thrive. Water them deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water per square foot of soil. During hot, dry periods, increase the frequency to twice a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering to help prevent disease. Instead, direct water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry.
LightSweet peas flourish in full sun to partial shade. Plant them in a location where they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. The morning sun is particularly beneficial as it dries dew from the leaves, reducing disease risk. However, in very hot climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the plants from intense heat.
TemperatureSweet peas prefer cool to moderate temperatures, thriving in ranges between 55°F and 65°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 40°F and a maximum of around 70°F. Temperatures above this range may lead to reduced flowering. For optimal growth, plant them in a spot where they can enjoy the cooler temperatures of early spring and late fall.
PruningRegularly deadheading sweet peas encourages further blooming. Prune by cutting back spent flowers to the nearest set of leaves. Perform this task every few days during the blooming period to maintain a tidy appearance and promote continuous flowering. The best time for more substantial pruning is in late winter or early spring, just as new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet Pea 'Royal Flush' thrives in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mixture of loamy soil, compost, and perlite or vermiculite can help ensure adequate drainage and fertility. An even blend of these components creates an ideal environment for healthy root growth and flourishing plants.
RepottingSweet Pea 'Royal Flush' does not typically require repotting as it is generally grown as an annual. Therefore, the focus should be on planting in a suitable location or container at the start of the growing season with fresh, nutrient-rich soil.
Humidity & MistingSweet Pea 'Royal Flush' does well with moderate humidity levels and does not require any special humidity adjustments. Average room humidity is generally sufficient for these plants when grown indoors, and natural outdoor conditions are appropriate when grown outside.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Sweet Peas indoors in a bright spot with good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant Sweet Peas in a sunny spot with support for climbing stems.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleSweet pea 'Royal Flush' typically begins its life as a hard seed, which after stratification or nicking to break dormancy, is sown in late winter or early spring. The seed germinates, and the plant emerges as a seedling, putting forth its characteristic pinnate leaves. As the plant matures, it develops climbing tendrils, which it uses to anchor itself for support. It enters the vegetative stage where it continues to grow and develop a strong stem and foliage. Following this, the plant enters the flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, producing fragrant, colorful blooms that range from deep reds to pinks. After pollination, the flowering stage is followed by the fruiting stage where pods develop, mature, and eventually dry out, releasing seeds that can start the cycle anew or enter a period of dormancy until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Lathyrus odoratus 'Royal Flush', commonly known as Sweet Pea 'Royal Flush', is typically propagated by seed. The best time to sow Sweet Pea seeds is in late winter to early spring, or for milder climates, they can also be sown in autumn. To propagate by seeds, you should soak them in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer shell. This promotes faster germination, which generally takes one to three weeks. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep in well-drained soil and space them about 2 to 3 inches apart. Once the seedlings emerge and grow large enough to handle, thin them out or transplant them to their final growing position, ensuring they have support for climbing. Sweet Peas prefer a sunny position and regular watering, and they will flower in the summer following the sowing season.
