Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Southbourne'
ABOUT
The Lathyrus odoratus 'Southbourne', commonly known as sweet pea, exhibits a charming visual spectacle through its ornamental features. The plant boasts delicate, winged shaped leaves that gracefully accompany the climbing stems. Flowers are the stars of this variety, presenting themselves in a stunning array of vibrant colors that can range from pastel shades to deep, rich hues. Each bloom comprises several smaller, butterfly-like petals that come together to create a frilly, ruffled effect, often with a bi-color pattern that adds to their intricate beauty. The sweet pea is known not just for its beauty but also for its delightful fragrance, which emanates from the flowers and can perfume an entire garden space. The tendrils of this plant are thin and wiry, facilitating the sweet pea's climb over trellises and supports, adding vertical interest to gardens and landscapes.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Peavine.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Lathyrus odoratus 'Southbourne' is sweet pea. Sweet pea plants contain toxic amino acids, particularly in the seeds and seed pods, which can cause a condition known as lathyrism when ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of sweet pea poisoning can include lethargy, convulsions, and paralysis, and in severe cases, may even be fatal. Chronic ingestion of the seeds over a long time can lead to a neuromuscular condition that affects the limbs and may result in a permanent inability to walk. It is generally advised to avoid eating any part of the sweet pea plant due to these risks.
To pets
The common name for Lathyrus odoratus 'Southbourne' is sweet pea. Sweet pea is also toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. Ingesting the plant, especially the seeds or seed pods, can lead to symptoms of poisoning which include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases can be fatal. The toxic principle in sweet pea is primarily a group of amino acids that can cause lathyrism, which may result in skeletal malformations or changes in the nervous system with chronic exposure. Pet owners should prevent their pets from ingesting any part of the sweet pea plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Lathyrus odoratus 'Southbourne', commonly known as Sweet Pea, is prized for its beautiful, colorful, and fragrant flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that are vital for pollination in the garden ecosystem.
- Cut Flowers: Sweet Pea blooms are popular for cut flower arrangements due to their attractive appearance and scent, adding a touch of elegance to indoor environments.
- Ease of Cultivation: This plant is relatively easy to grow, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Versatility: Sweet Peas can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, trellises, and containers, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Seasonal Color: They provide early to mid-season color in the garden, often blooming profusely in spring and early summer.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lathyrus odoratus 'Southbourne', commonly known as sweet pea, can be used in eco-friendly pest control as certain insects are repelled by their scent.
- Sweet pea stems can be woven into lightweight wreaths or decorations, providing a fragrant addition to eco-friendly home decor.
- The plant may serve as a natural dye source, with petals potentially yielding subtle green to yellow hues for textiles.
- Using sweet peas in flower language or floriography, where each flower is assigned a meaning, sweet peas can be used to convey delicate pleasures or goodbye.
- Dried sweet pea flowers can be incorporated into potpourris to extend their fragrance's life and sweeten room smells naturally.
- Their vibrant blooms can be used to create natural confetti for weddings or celebrations that is biodegradable and non-toxic.
- Sweet pea vines can be used for educational purposes to demonstrate natural climbing and growth habits in botany classes.
- The structure of sweet pea blooms can be studied for their intricate natural geometries and patterns in art and design classes.
- By planting sweet peas, you can create natural shaded areas in the garden, which can provide cool spots during hot summers.
- Photographers can use sweet pea flowers as subjects in photography to enhance their portfolio with images of these vibrant and delicate 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- Delicate Pleasure: Sweet pea, the common name of Lathyrus odoratus 'Southbourne', often symbolizes delicate or blissful pleasure due to its beautiful petals and sweet fragrance, which can invoke a sense of enjoyment.
- Goodbye or Departure: In the language of flowers, sweet pea can indicate bidding farewell or the end of a time, possibly because the bloom can both delight the senses and then fade away.
- Thankfulness: Giving sweet pea flowers can express gratitude or thanks, making them a common gift for showing appreciation.
- Kindness: Sweet pea blossoms are associated with kindness, likely due to their gentle appearance and the warm sentiment they convey when given to another person.
- Blissful Pleasure: The soft and inviting essence of sweet pea blooms is often connected with pure, blissful pleasure, suggesting contentment and happiness.
WaterSweet Peas require consistent moisture, so water them thoroughly once a week with about 1 gallon of water per square foot of soil. During hot, dry spells, increase watering to twice per week. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew, so direct the water at the base of the plant. A soak hose or drip irrigation system is ideal to ensure deep watering that encourages strong root growth without wetting the foliage.
LightSweet Peas thrive best in full sun, meaning they require at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. They can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced. The best spot for Sweet Peas is a location where they receive morning sunlight and some protection from the intense heat in the afternoon.
TemperatureSweet Peas grow best in cool to moderate temperatures, thriving ideally between 55°F and 65°F. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 25°F, but frequently exposing them to temperatures above 75°F can inhibit flowering. Maintaining the ideal range will promote vigorous growth and an abundance of blooms.
PruningPrune Sweet Peas to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch off the tips of the plants when they are 4-6 inches tall. Deadhead regularly to prevent the plants from putting energy into seed production. At the end of the blooming season, cut back the foliage after it turns yellow, which is typically in late summer or fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet peas prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A good soil mix for Sweet Pea 'Southbourne' would be equal parts loam, peat moss or compost, and sharp sand to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingSweet pea 'Southbourne' generally doesn't require repotting as it is an annual plant. It's best sown where it is to flower or in biodegradable pots that can be planted out in the ground to avoid root disturbance.
Humidity & MistingSweet pea 'Southbourne' thrives in moderate to high humidity levels. The ideal range is 50-70% relative humidity for optimal growth, as too dry conditions can impede its development.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and use supports for vines.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, provide a trellis, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleSweet pea 'Southbourne', a cultivar of Lathyrus odoratus, begins its journey as a hard-coated seed, which often benefits from scarification or overnight soaking to facilitate germination. Upon planting in fertile, well-draining soil, seeds typically sprout within 7 to 15 days, depending on the temperature and moisture levels. The seedlings grow rapidly, developing tendrils that grasp onto supports, allowing the plant to climb and reach for sunlight. After a period of vegetative growth, flower buds form, which then bloom into fragrant, colorful flowers, usually from late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. As flowers fade, seed pods develop, mature, and eventually dry on the plant, releasing new seeds to complete the life cycle. If conditions are favorable, the sweet pea 'Southbourne' may re-seed itself, spontaneously beginning a new cycle without additional planting.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Lathyrus odoratus, commonly known as Sweet Pea 'Southbourne', is through seeds. Propagation time is ideally in late winter or early spring. To propagate, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard seed coat. After soaking, plant the seeds in pots using well-draining soil, about 1 inch deep (2.54 cm), and spaced approximately 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm) apart. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and placed in a bright, cool area. Germination usually occurs within 7 to 15 days, depending on the temperature and growing conditions. Once the seedlings are sturdy enough and the risk of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors to a sunny location with support for climbing.
