Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Starlight Sonata'
ABOUT
The 'Starlight Sonata' is a sweet pea variety known for its attractive and fragrant flowers. This plant produces blossoms in a palette of soft pastel shades, which often include delicate pinks, creamy whites, and sometimes hints of lavender. The flowers are noted for their strong, sweet scent, which can perfume the air around them, and they typically have a ruffled appearance. The petals may have a silky sheen and are usually arranged in a classic pea-flower shape with a prominent standard petal at the top and smaller wing petals beneath. The foliage of the sweet pea 'Starlight Sonata' is a vibrant green, with leaves divided into multiple leaflets. The plant grows tendril-like structures, which curl and twist around supports, aiding in its climbing habit. These tendrils allow the plant to grasp onto structures for support as it grows. The sweet pea is celebrated not just for its visual appeal, but also for its olfactory delight. When in bloom, the plant can become a centerpiece in gardens, filling the space with its stunning blooms and enchanting fragrance. It's a popular choice for cutting gardens, as the long-stemmed flowers are well-suited for use in floral arrangements and bouquets, where they continue to offer their pleasant aroma indoors.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sweet Pea, Perennial Pea, Everlasting Pea
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea plants are toxic to humans if ingested. The seeds and seed pods are particularly poisonous due to the presence of a compound called beta-aminopropionitrile, which can cause a condition known as lathyrism if consumed in large quantities. Lathyrism is characterized by potentially irreversible paralysis of the lower limbs and can also cause convulsions and respiratory difficulties. Eating the seeds or seed pods of sweet peas can also result in less severe symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, and headache.
To pets
Sweet pea plants are also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Like in humans, the seeds and seed pods contain beta-aminopropionitrile and can cause lathyrism, which affects the nervous system of the animal leading to weakness, lethargy, seizures, and potentially paralysis. Ingesting this plant may present symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, tremors, or seizures in pets. The severity of the symptoms will depend on the quantity ingested, and it is important to seek veterinary care if you suspect your pet has eaten any part of a sweet pea plant.
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
Varies
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: Lathyrus odoratus, commonly known as sweet pea, produces delicate and colorful flowers that are visually appealing in any garden.
- Fragrance: Sweet peas are well-known for their sweet, fragrant scent, which can add a pleasant aroma to gardens and indoor spaces when used as cut flowers.
- Vertical Interest: As a climbing plant, sweet peas can be used to add vertical interest to gardens, covering trellises, arbors, and fences elegantly.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems and pollination.
- Versatility: Sweet peas can be grown in a variety of settings, including borders, containers, and hanging baskets, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Cutting Garden Plant: The blooms make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements, lasting well in a vase.
- Easy to Grow: Sweet peas are relatively easy to cultivate and can be grown from seed, making them accessible to many gardeners.
- Seasonal Color: They provide seasonal color in the spring and early summer, enlivening the garden during these periods.
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 'Starlight Sonata', commonly known as sweet pea, can be used in crafts such as potpourri due to its delightful fragrance, by drying the petals and mixing them with other aromatic ingredients.
- As a natural fabric dye, the flowers of the sweet pea can be boiled to extract a subtle coloring agent for textiles.
- The long and flexible stems of sweet peas make them suitable for weaving into decorative wreaths or garlands for festive decor.
- Sweet pea petals can be used to create a natural, biodegradable confetti for weddings or celebrations, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic confetti.
- Ink derived from sweet pea flowers can be used for art projects, giving a unique hue to paintings or homemade craft inks.
- Pressed sweet pea flowers can serve as embellishments for handmade paper or as features in resin jewelry, providing a touch of natural beauty.
- The sweet pea's climbing nature allows it to be used as a living screen or privacy barrier when grown on trellises in the garden.
- When used in floral language or floriography, sweet peas can symbolize delicate pleasures and are often included in bouquets that communicate a message of enjoyment.
- Sweet pea blossoms can be incorporated into creative gourmet dishes as an edible decoration, although consumption should be done with caution due to potential toxicity if large quantities are consumed.
- The hollow stems of sweet peas have been used to create whimsical, natural blowpipes for children's games, although care must be taken to ensure no parts are ingested.
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 peas, such as the Lathyrus odoratus 'Starlight Sonata', symbolize blissful pleasure, reflecting the delight and positive emotions they are believed to bring.
- Goodbye or Departure: They can also represent saying goodbye, suggesting a delicate farewell or the end of an era due to their short-lived blooms.
- Thankfulness: Sweet peas are often used to express gratitude for a lovely time, making them a thoughtful gift when someone wants to say "thank you."
- Delicate Pleasures: Their soft, fragrant blossoms embody delicate pleasures – those fine, subtle joys in life.
WaterSweet peas, including 'Starlight Sonata', should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. In the growing season, provide about 1 gallon per plant to ensure the soil is moistened to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. During periods of high heat or drought, increase the frequency to twice per week. Overhead watering should be avoided to prevent disease; instead, water at the base of the plants early in the day. In cooler climates or less sunny locations, reduce the amount slightly, always checking the soil moisture level before watering.
LightSweet peas prefer full sunlight for at least 6 hours a day, so 'Starlight Sonata' should be placed in a spot where it can receive ample direct light. Avoid overly shaded areas as this can inhibit flowering and lead to leggy growth. If possible, morning sun is ideal as it is less intense than afternoon sun, helping to prevent heat stress during hot summer days.
TemperatureSweet peas like 'Starlight Sonata' grow best in temperatures between 55°F and 65°F, thriving in cooler climates. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 25°F for short periods but prefer not to be in prolonged freezing conditions. The maximum temperature for optimal growth is approximately 75°F; higher temperatures can lead to reduced flowering.
PruningPrune sweet peas such as 'Starlight Sonata' to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch out the growing tip when the plant is 4 to 6 inches tall. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to stimulate new blooms. The best time to prune is during the cooler parts of the day, either early morning or late afternoon, to minimize plant stress.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Sweet Pea 'Starlight Sonata', a well-draining soil mix with rich organic matter is ideal. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to nourish the soil. The pH should be slightly alkaline, ranging from 7.0 to 7.5. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or sand often works well for sweet peas.
RepottingSweet Pea 'Starlight Sonata' does not typically require repotting, as they are annuals. They are usually sown directly where they are to flower and do not need repotting. However, if started in pots, they should be transplanted into the garden once they are large enough to handle and before the roots become pot-bound.
Humidity & MistingSweet Pea 'Starlight Sonata' thrives in moderate humidity levels. They perform well outdoors where the humidity is naturally regulated by the environment. Ideally, they prefer a humidity level that mimics their native Mediterranean climate, which does not tend to be excessively high.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, keep soil moist, and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Lathyrus odoratus 'Starlight Sonata' is Sweet Pea 'Starlight Sonata'. The life of this plant begins with seed germination, which occurs in early spring or may be started indoors before the last frost. Once sprouted, the seedling will grow and develop a root system and foliage. As a climbing plant, it then enters a vegetative stage where it produces stems and leaves, requiring support to climb upwards. Following the vegetative stage, the plant matures and enters the flowering stage in late spring or early summer, producing fragrant flowers in shades of white and cream with delicate streaks of lavender. After pollination, the flowers will give rise to seed pods, and upon maturity, the seeds can be collected for the next growing season, or the plant will die back if exposed to frost, thus completing its annual life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagating Sweet Peas, such as the Lathyrus odoratus 'Starlight Sonata', is through seed sowing. Propagation by seed usually takes place in late winter or early spring, depending on the local climate. To propagate, one should soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer coating. After soaking, the seeds can be sown about 1 inch deep in well-drained soil in either biodegradable pots or directly in the garden. Spacing should be around 2 to 3 inches apart if sowing directly outdoors. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and seeds will typically germinate within 7 to 14 days when kept at around 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 18 degrees Celsius). After germination and once the seedlings have grown strong enough, they can be transplanted to their final growing position.
