Sweet Pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Ruby Anniversary'

Names

• Family

  Fabaceae.

• Synonyms

  Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Lathyrus, Garden Pea, Sweetpea.

• Common names

  Lathyrus odoratus 'Ruby Anniversary'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Sweet pea, specifically the cultivar Lathyrus odoratus 'Ruby Anniversary', contains toxic amino acids such as β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid (ODAP), which can cause lathyrism if ingested in large amounts over time. Lathyrism is a neurological disease that can lead to muscle weakness and paralysis, particularly in the lower limbs. It also affects the nervous system and can result in convulsions and respiratory difficulties. Ingesting the seeds is particularly dangerous, as they contain higher concentrations of the toxin.

• To pets

  Sweet pea, which includes the 'Ruby Anniversary' cultivar, can also be toxic to pets. If ingested, pets may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, and seizures due to the presence of toxic amino acids. The seeds are the most toxic part of the plant and should be kept away from animals to prevent poisoning. Chronic ingestion can lead to severe neurological issues, including paralysis, especially in grazing animals that may consume large quantities.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Annuals

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Red

• Height

  6 feet (1.83 meters)

• Spread

  1 foot (0.3 meters)

• Plant type

  Climber

• Hardiness zones

  2

• Native area

  Mediterranean

General Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: Lathyrus odoratus 'Ruby Anniversary', commonly known as Sweet Pea, has vibrant ruby-colored flowers that enhance the visual beauty of gardens and landscapes.
• Fragrance: Sweet Pea is well-known for its sweet and pleasant fragrance, which can perfume an entire garden area.
• Attracts Pollinators: The brightly colored flowers of the Sweet Pea attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
• Edible Flowers: Some Sweet Pea varieties have edible flowers that can be used in salads or as garnishes, adding a unique touch to culinary dishes (though it is important to note that most Sweet Pea plants, including many ornamentals, are toxic).
• Easy to Grow: Sweet Peas are relatively easy to cultivate, making them suitable for beginner gardeners or those with less experience in horticulture.
• Climbing Growth Habit: With support, Sweet Peas can grow vertically, providing height and structure to garden designs as well as space-saving opportunities for smaller areas.
• Cut Flowers: The flowers of the Sweet Pea make excellent cut flowers, allowing for the creation of attractive indoor bouquets and floral arrangements.
• Variety of Uses: Sweet Peas can be grown in garden beds, borders, containers, and as part of trellis or archway displays, offering versatile uses in landscaping.

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

• Sweet pea 'Ruby Anniversary' vines can be trained to climb on small trellises or structures, offering visual interest and height to small garden spaces or patios.
• The dried flowers of sweet pea can be used in potpourri to retain a mild fragrance and add a burst of color to the mix.
• Pressed sweet pea flowers can be used in crafting, such as making bookmarks or greeting cards, for a delicate touch of nature.
• Sweet pea petals can be used as a natural confetti for weddings or celebrations, providing a biodegradable and eco-friendly option.
• In educational settings, sweet pea plants can serve as a teaching tool for children learning about plant growth cycles and pollination.
• The tall and dense growth of sweet pea can provide temporary privacy screening in outdoor seating areas during the growing season.
• Artists can use sweet pea flowers as subjects for botanical illustration, capturing the vibrant colors and unique shapes of the blossoms.
• Floral arrangements including sweet pea can be used as centerpieces or decor for themed parties aiming for a vintage or cottage aesthetic.
• The plant's climbing nature can be utilized for softening unsightly features in the garden, like chain-link fences or utility poles.
• Photographers can incorporate sweet pea flowers into photoshoots as a symbol of delicate beauty or to celebrate significant anniversaries.

Feng Shui

The Sweet Pea is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Sweet Pea is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Delicate Pleasure: Sweet peas, including the 'Ruby Anniversary' variety, often symbolize delicate or blissful pleasure, representing the enjoyment of life's subtle and fleeting moments.
• Goodbye or Departure: In the language of flowers, sweet peas can symbolize a farewell, or the wish for the recipient to have a good time but also suggesting a departure or the end of an experience.
• Thankfulness: Giving sweet peas can also express gratitude, making them a thoughtful gesture for showing appreciation.
• Friendship: The variety's rich and warm color can evoke feelings of strong friendship and the joy that comes with lasting companionship.
• Blissful Pleasure: Often associated with pleasure, sweet peas are reflective of the happiness one finds in the small, joyous moments in life.
• Anniversary: The name 'Ruby Anniversary' implies a significant milestone celebration, marking 40 years, and it may be used to commemorate such an occasion with its vibrant blooms.