Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Solway Minuet'
ABOUT
The sweet pea known as 'Solway Minuet' is a flowering plant that is admired for its ornamental qualities. This variety of sweet pea is characterized by its gracefully twining stems and pinnate leaves, each leaf consisting of multiple small, oval to lance-shaped leaflets that are a vibrant green color. The plant produces a profusion of flowers which are typically borne in clusters. The blossoms of 'Solway Minuet' are what primarily draw attention—they are delicate, with a soft, pastel hue that can best be described as a creamy white blended with subtle hints of pink. Each blossom has the classic sweet pea shape, with large standard petals that fan out and slightly smaller wings that fold around the keel, which houses the reproductive parts of the flower. The petals have a silky appearance and can sometimes display a gentle ruffling along their edges, adding to the overall elegance of the flower. This variety is also appreciated for its delightful fragrance, which is often described as sweet, rich, and long-lasting. 'Solay Minuet' adds beauty and a captivating aroma to gardens and is a favorite among those who enjoy planting for visual and olfactory pleasure.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea plants, including Lathyrus odoratus 'Solway Minuet', contain toxic amino acids, particularly in their seeds and seed pods. The primary toxic agent is a compound called beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN). If ingested in large quantities, these amino acids can lead to a condition known as lathyrism. Symptoms of lathyrism include lethargy, muscle weakness, and potentially irreversible paralysis, often resulting in a difficulty walking which usually appears after chronic consumption over long periods. The young shoots and seeds are most commonly implicated in instances of human poisoning. It is important to avoid consuming any part of the sweet pea plant, especially the seeds and seed pods.
To pets
Sweet pea plants, including Lathyrus odoratus 'Solway Minuet', are also toxic to pets like cats and dogs. The plant contains toxic amino acids which can lead to a condition known as lathyrism if consumed in significant amounts. Symptoms of sweet pea poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, tremors, and head pressing. The toxicity mainly stems from the seeds and seed pods, but it's advisable to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the sweet pea plant. Chronic ingestion can lead to severe health issues, including potentially irreversible paralysis. Consult a veterinarian immediately if a pet ingests sweet pea.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Lathyrus odoratus 'Solway Minuet', also known as sweet pea, has beautifully colored flowers that enhance the visual attractiveness of gardens.
- Fragrance: Sweet peas are renowned for their delightful fragrance, which can perfume an entire garden area.
- Pollinator Attraction: These plants are excellent for attracting bees and butterflies, thus promoting pollination in the garden.
- Climbing Ability: With their climbing habit, sweet peas can add height and structure to a garden when grown on trellises, fences, or other supports.
- Versatility: They can be grown in a variety of settings including borders, containers, and as cut flowers for indoor display.
- Seasonal Color: Sweet peas provide vibrant seasonal color in the spring and early summer months.
- Ease of Growth: They are relatively easy to grow from seed, making them accessible to gardeners of all skill levels.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: Lathyrus odoratus 'Solway Minuet', commonly known as sweet pea, can be used as a subject for botanical illustration or painting due to its delicate form and color.
- Natural Dye: The pigments from sweet pea flowers can be used to create natural dyes for textile coloring.
- Garden Design: Sweet peas, with their climbing habit, can be used to create natural privacy screens or living archways in garden spaces.
- Floral Arrangement Extension: The tendrils and vines of sweet pea can add interesting textures and shapes to floral arrangements.
- Educational Tool: Sweet pea plants can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant biology and the lifecycle of a flowering plant.
- Photography Subject: The vibrant colors and aesthetic appeal of sweet peas make them an excellent subject for macro and nature photography.
- Seed Collection: Hobbyists may collect and exchange sweet pea seeds as a part of a seed-saving community, promoting biodiversity and heritage varieties.
- Memory Triggers: The distinct fragrance of sweet pea flowers can be used in sensory gardens designed to evoke memories or aid in reminiscence therapy in care settings.
- Companion Planting: Sweet peas can be used in vegetable gardens as companion plants, as they are known to attract beneficial pollinators.
- Craft Projects: Dried sweet pea flowers and seed pods can be used in craft projects, like making potpourri or decorative display pieces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSweet pea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySweet pea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Blissful Pleasure: Sweet Pea flowers are traditionally associated with feelings of pleasure. The 'Solway Minuet' variant with its beautiful blooms and scent is no exception, often representing a blissful and delicate pleasure.
- Goodbye and Departure: Since Sweet Peas have a short lifespan, they can symbolize a farewell or goodbye. 'Solway Minuet' may be used to convey a sweet and affectionate farewell.
- Gratitude: The giving of Sweet Pea flowers implies gratitude for a shared time or experience. 'Solway Minuet', with its soft colors and graceful form, is often a way to express thanks elegantly.
- Delicate or Fleeting Nature of Pleasure: The transient bloom of the Sweet Pea reflects the ephemeral nature of pleasure, reminding us to savor the moments as they pass.
- Friendship: Sweet Peas often signify a deep friendship or connection, making 'Solway Minuet' a great choice for a gift to a dear friend to show appreciation and care.
WaterSweet peas, such as the 'Solway Minuet,' should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is thoroughly moistened. In the peak of summer or in particularly hot climates, they may require watering twice a week. Aim to provide about 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew; instead, water at the base of the plant. During rainy periods or cooler weather, reduce the frequency of watering to prevent waterlogging.
LightSweet peas like 'Solway Minuet' thrive best in full sun, where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They perform optimally when planted in a spot that enjoys morning sunlight and some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter regions. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to poor flowering and can increase the risk of disease.
TemperatureSweet peas, including the 'Solway Minuet,' prefer cooler temperatures with ideal growing conditions being between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate temperatures as low as the mid-20s, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the plant. Conversely, they typically do not perform well in high temperatures, especially above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, as heat can lead to poor flowering and plant stress.
PruningPruning sweet peas such as 'Solway Minuet' is essential to promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Pinch out the growing tips when the plants are 4-6 inches tall to encourage bushiness. After the initial flowering, regular deadheading of spent blooms will encourage further blooming. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring, just before the new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet peas prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of loamy soil, compost, and a slow-release fertilizer is ideal for Lathyrus odoratus 'Solway Minuet'. Ensure the soil is loose and not compacted to facilitate root growth.
RepottingSweet peas, including Lathyrus odoratus 'Solway Minuet', are typically grown as annuals and hence are not commonly repotted. They are sown directly where they are to flower and do not require repotting throughout the season.
Humidity & MistingSweet peas thrive in average humidity conditions. Lathyrus odoratus 'Solway Minuet' does not require high humidity levels; it will perform well in the natural outdoor humidity range. Avoid overly humid conditions to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and support with a trellis.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, provide support, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-11 USDA
Life cycleSweet Pea 'Solway Minuet' starts its life as a hard seed which can benefit from being soaked before sowing to soften the seed coat. After germination, the seedling develops a strong root system and distinctive leaf tendrils that seek support for climbing. It progresses to the vegetative stage where it produces stems and leaves, during which it requires adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients to thrive. Following vegetative growth, the plant enters the flowering stage, typically in cool to moderate spring or early summer climates, where it develops fragrant and colorful flowers. Once pollinated, usually by insects, the flowers produce seed pods containing seeds that mature and, when dried, can be collected for future sowing. After seed set, the annual plant completes its cycle and dies, relying on the collected seeds for propagation of the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagation for Lathyrus odoratus 'Solway Minuet', commonly known as sweet pea, is by sowing seeds. The best time to start propagation by seeds is in late winter or early spring. Begin by soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer coating and promote germination. After soaking, plant the seeds about 1 inch deep in pots filled with well-draining soil mix. Place the pots in a bright, cool location and keep the soil moist. Germination typically occurs within 7 to 15 days. After the seedlings have developed their second set of leaves, they can be transplanted to their final growing location outdoors, ensuring they are spaced about 6 to 8 inches apart to allow for ample growth.
