Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Solway Fanfare'
ABOUT
The plant known as sweet pea 'Solway Fanfare' is cherished for its attractive and fragrant flowers. The blooms adorn the plant in a unique shade of creamy apricot, displaying a delightful pastel hue that fades into a soft pink at the edges. Each flower on 'Solway Fanfare' exhibits a classic sweet pea form, featuring a gently ruffled standard, or top petal, flanked by smaller wing petals below. The blossoms are typically arranged in clusters that gracefully adorn the stem, creating a visually stunning display. The foliage of the sweet pea 'Solway Fanfare' consists of delicate tendrils and pinnate leaves, which are made up of multiple small, oval-shaped leaflets. These foliage elements combine to create a backdrop of green, which beautifully sets off the pastel-colored flowers. Despite the exclusion of information regarding the exact size of 'Solway Fanfare', it can be said that the plant possesses a climbing habit, allowing it to intertwine with structures or supports provided for it in a garden setting. This habit contributes to the plant's picturesque appearance as it weaves through the landscape, bringing its charming blooms to eye level for admirers to enjoy. The overall look of 'Solway Fanfare' is one of gentle splendor, exuding an air of old-fashioned romance and providing an aromatic experience for anyone who comes near.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sweet Pea, Garden Pea, Everlasting Pea, Vetchling.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea is known for its ornamental value and sweet fragrance rather than its toxicity to humans. However, it is worth noting that the seeds and, to a lesser extent, the other parts of the sweet pea plant contain toxic amino acids, specifically a compound called Lathyrogens. If ingested in large quantities, these seeds can cause a condition known as lathyrism. Lathyrism is characterized by symptoms that may include paralysis, labored breathing, convulsions, and potentially death, though it is rare for humans to consume enough of the plant's seeds to cause this severe of a reaction. It is advisable that people refrain from ingesting any part of the sweet pea plant to avoid any possible adverse health effects.
To pets
Sweet pea toxicity in pets, particularly dogs and cats, is also a concern, although cases of poisoning are relatively uncommon. The seeds contain the highest concentration of Lathyrogens, which can cause lathyrism if ingested in significant amounts. Symptoms of sweet pea poisoning in pets might include weakness, lethargy, trembling, seizures, and potentially more severe neurological issues if large amounts are ingested. It is important to prevent pets from consuming any part of this plant, and especially the seeds, to avoid the potential toxic effects. If you suspect your pet has ingested sweet pea, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens with its showy, colorful flowers.
- Fragrance: Emits a sweet, pleasant fragrance that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: Draws in beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which help pollinate other plants.
- Vertical Interest: Can be trained to climb up trellises, fences, and other structures, adding height and dimension to garden spaces.
- Cutting Garden: Flowers are suitable for cutting and making beautiful, fragrant indoor bouquets.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Fast Growth: Typically grows quickly, providing rapid coverage or blooms in the growing season.
- Edging Plants: Can be used as border plants, creating delineated edges in garden designs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cut Flowers: Sweet peas are popularly used for cut flower arrangements due to their attractive blooms and pleasant fragrance. 'Solway Fanfare' would make a beautiful addition to any vase.
- Education: Sweet peas can be used in educational settings to demonstrate plant growth, pollination, and hybridization due to their ease of growing and breeding.
- Crafts: The dried seed pods of sweet peas can be used in craft projects or for creating unique, natural decorative items.
- Photography: Sweet peas are commonly photographed for their visual appeal, making them subjects for botanical photographers and artists.
- Garden Design: Sweet peas are used in garden design to add vertical interest with their climbing habit, as well as to introduce vibrant colors and fragrance.
- Dye Production: The petals of sweet peas can potentially be used to create natural dyes for textiles or art projects.
- Potpourri: Dried sweet peas can be added to potpourri mixes for a natural and subtle fragrance in the home.
- Floral Shows: Sweet peas such as 'Solway Fanfare' can be grown for entry into floral shows and competitions due to their impressive blooms.
- Companion Planting: Sweet peas can be used in vegetable gardens as companion plants to help repel certain pests with their scent.
- Special Events: Growing sweet peas can be a project for special events such as weddings or anniversaries, providing a personal touch with home-grown flowers.
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 peas, the common name for Lathyrus odoratus 'Solway Fanfare', are often associated with pleasure due to their delightful fragrance and colorful blooms.
- Goodbye: Giving a sweet pea can symbolize a farewell or goodbye, possibly because they can be cut from the vine, symbolizing a departure.
- Delicate Pleasures: The delicate and fragrant nature of sweet peas lends them to represent the enjoyment of subtle and fleeting moments of happiness.
- Thankfulness: Sweet peas are also symbolic of gratitude, making them a traditional flower to give when you want to express thanks or appreciation.
- Blissful Pleasure: The presence of sweet peas in a garden or as a gift can denote pure pleasure or bliss, highlighting the enjoyment of the senses.
WaterFor Sweet Pea 'Solway Fanfare', maintain evenly moist soil without overwatering. They prefer a moderate amount of water; water when the top inch of soil feels dry, roughly once a week. Use about half a gallon of water per plant for each watering session. During periods of high heat or very sunny days, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil moist. But be careful not to saturate the soil as Sweet Peas do not like to sit in waterlogged conditions.
LightSweet Pea 'Solway Fanfare' thrives in full sun so ensure it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this plant is one where it is exposed to morning sunlight and perhaps light afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. Avoid heavily shaded areas as insufficient light can lead to poor flowering and leggy growth.
TemperatureSweet Pea 'Solway Fanfare' prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit but will not survive if temperatures dip below freezing for extended periods. The plants can handle up to about 75 degrees Fahrenheit but often start to decline if temperatures regularly exceed this range.
PruningPruning Sweet Pea 'Solway Fanfare' encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming. Cut back the plants after the first flush of flowers to encourage a second bloom. The best time to prune is when the stems have just finished blooming, and the flowers start to fade.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet peas prefer well-draining soil enriched with organic matter and a pH between 6.0-7.5, so mixing garden soil with compost and a bit of perlite or coarse sand would create an ideal environment for Lathyrus odoratus 'Solway Fanfare'.
RepottingSweet peas do not generally require frequent repotting; repot Lathyrus odoratus 'Solway Fanfare' when it outgrows its current container or every 1-2 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingSweet peas, including Lathyrus odoratus 'Solway Fanfare', thrive in moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to various conditions as long as they are well-watered.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a sunny spot and provide a trellis for support.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, add support for climbing, and keep soil moist.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleSweet pea 'Solway Fanfare' begins with seed germination, typically in late winter or early spring, when the soil temperature reaches around 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Following germination, the seedlings develop into vigorous vines, producing a robust root system and climbing stems with the aid of tendrils. The plant enters a vegetative stage, where it produces ample foliage and prepares for flowering. Flowering occurs in late spring to summer, when the plant produces fragrant, colorful blossoms that can be a variety of hues, including the creamy yellow characteristic of 'Solway Fanfare'. After pollination, which is often aided by insects, the plant sets seed in the form of pods that mature by late summer or early fall. The life cycle can end with seed collection for future planting or the plant may die back with the onset of cooler temperatures and frost, completing its annual cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagating Sweet Pea 'Solway Fanfare' is through its seeds. The ideal time to sow Sweet Pea seeds is in late winter or early spring, as they require a period of cold to break their dormancy. To begin, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer shell. After soaking, plant the seeds about 1 inch deep in small pots filled with potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the pots in a cool, bright place until germination, which usually occurs within 10 to 21 days. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted to their final growing location outdoors after the last frost has passed.
