Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Valerie Harrod'
ABOUT
The Lathyrus odoratus 'Valerie Harrod', commonly known as the sweet pea 'Valerie Harrod', is a breathtakingly beautiful flowering plant that brings charm and vibrant color to any garden. This variety showcases an exquisite color palette; its blossoms exhibit a delicate shade of pink, often softening to nearly white at the edges. The petals have a classic, folded appearance which sweet pea flowers are renowned for, giving them a romantic and ruffled look. These blooms are adorned with a striking deep pink or magenta streak that originates from the base, bleeding elegantly into the lighter pink tones of the petals. This remarkable bi-color effect makes each flower look almost hand-painted. The flowers typically grow in clusters, which adds to their visual impact, whether climbing on a support structure or trailing along the ground. One of the most enchanting features of the 'Valerie Harrod' sweet pea is its fragrance. The blossoms emit a strong, sweet scent that enchants the senses and makes this plant a favorite among gardeners who cherish aromatic flowers. The foliage of the sweet pea 'Valerie Harrod' consists of slender, green leaflets that are delicate yet provide a complementary backdrop to the striking flowers. The plant may also produce tendrils that it uses to climb, adding to its overall graceful appearance. Gardeners prize this plant for its ornamental value and often grow it along trellises, fences, and within cottage-style garden arrangements where its visual and aromatic qualities can be fully appreciated. The sweet pea 'Valerie Harrod' can bring a touch of classic elegance and delightful fragrance to any setting where its alluring flowers are allowed to flourish.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
Sweet Pea, Garden Pea, Everlasting Pea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus 'Valerie Harrod'.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea, including the variety 'Valerie Harrod', contains toxic compounds known as aminopropionitrile fumarate which can lead to a condition referred to as lathyrism if ingested in large quantities. Lathyrism is characterized by symptoms such as paralysis, labored breathing, convulsions, and potentially can lead to death in severe cases. Although the flowers are often not considered highly toxic in small quantities, it is advised to avoid ingestion to prevent any possible adverse effects.
To pets
Sweet pea is also toxic to pets, with the potential to cause lathyrism, similar to humans, if consumed in large amounts. The symptoms of poisoning in pets include weakness, lethargy, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, it may lead to death. It is essential to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the plant to avoid these toxic effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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 beauty to gardens with its pink and peach-toned flowers.
- Fragrance: The sweet pea has a delightful scent that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden or indoor area.
- Attracts Pollinators: Sweet peas attract bees and butterflies, important pollinators for the ecosystem.
- Versatility: Can be grown in borders, flower beds, and containers, making it suitable for different garden layouts.
- Climbing Habit: Ideal for vertical gardening, as it can grow up trellises, fences, and arches, saving space while adding dimension.
- Cut Flowers: Their long stems and attractive blooms make sweet peas excellent for cut flower arrangements.
- Easy to Grow: Generally low-maintenance and suitable for novice gardeners.
- Seasonal Interest: Sweet peas are annuals that can provide seasonal color changes in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As natural dye: The flowers of Sweet pea can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering hues ranging from purples to blues depending on the mordant used.
- Art and Craft: The delicate blossoms of Sweet pea can be pressed and used in craft projects such as handmade paper, bookmarks, or floral art pieces.
- Garden Structure Inspiration: The climbing nature of Sweet pea 'Valerie Harrod' can inspire unique garden structures, such as living arches or privacy screens.
- Insectary Planting: Sweet peas can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, providing a habitat and food source for pollinators.
- Companion Planting: When grown alongside fruits and vegetables, Sweet peas can enhance growth by fixing nitrogen into the soil, beneficial for neighboring plants.
- Educational Tools: As a fast-growing plant, Sweet peas can be used to teach children about plant biology, lifecycles, and the science of gardening.
- Photography Prop: The flowers can be used as a natural prop for photography, offering a vibrant backdrop or focus for portraits and product shots.
- Wedding Decor: Sweet pea flowers, with their delicate appearance and fragrance, can be used in wedding bouquets, table centerpieces, and venue decorations.
- Floral Language and Symbolism: Historically, Sweet peas are associated with goodbyes, and departures but also with pleasure - they can be used to convey secret messages in floral arrangements.
- Seed Pods for Sound Effects: The dried seed pods can be used as a natural source for creating rustling sound effects in theater productions or sound design.
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: The sweet scent of Sweet Pea is often associated with pleasure and bliss.
- Goodbye: In the language of flowers, Sweet Pea can signify a departure or an expression of farewell.
- Delicate Pleasures: The delicate flowers of the Sweet Pea symbolize the enjoyment of delicate and subtle pleasures in life.
- Gratitude: Sweet Pea flowers are also known as a token of thankfulness, given to show appreciation.
WaterSweet peas, like Lathyrus odoratus 'Valerie Harrod', prefer consistent moisture and should be watered once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this will require watering approximately once a week, but the frequency may increase to two or three times per week during hot, dry weather. Provide the plant with 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per watering session to thoroughly moisten the soil around the roots, taking care not to let the plant sit in waterlogged soil which can lead to root rot.
LightSweet peas, such as Lathyrus odoratus 'Valerie Harrod', thrive in full sun to partial shade. They should receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. However, in very hot climates, a spot that offers some afternoon shade to protect them from the intense heat would be ideal.
TemperatureSweet peas, like Lathyrus odoratus 'Valerie Harrod', prefer cooler conditions and can tolerate temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit, but not for prolonged periods. They perform best in temperatures ranging from 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They may struggle and cease to flower in temperatures consistently over 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningSweet peas, like Lathyrus odoratus 'Valerie Harrod', should be pruned to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch out the growing tips when plants are 4-6 inches tall. Deadhead regularly to stimulate new flower production. Pruning is best done during the cool part of the day, and the frequency will depend on the blooming—often several times throughout the blooming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet peas prefer well-drained soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure, combined with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. The ideal pH for sweet peas, including Lathyrus odoratus 'Valerie Harrod', is between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingSweet peas, like Lathyrus odoratus 'Valerie Harrod', are typically sown directly into the garden and don't require repotting. If started in pots, they should be transplanted when seedlings are young to avoid disturbing their delicate roots.
Humidity & MistingSweet peas like Lathyrus odoratus 'Valerie Harrod' thrive in moderate humidity levels; however, they are adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity levels typically found outdoors in their growing regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full sun, cool air, and support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with support for vines to climb.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleLathyrus odoratus 'Valerie Harrod', commonly known as Sweet Pea 'Valerie Harrod', begins its life cycle when the hard-coated seeds are sown in late winter or early spring and germinate. Upon sprouting, the seedlings grow rapidly, developing climbing tendrils and compound leaves. The plant then enters a vegetative growth stage where stems elongate and foliage expands, requiring support for optimal growth. Following vegetative growth, the Sweet Pea produces fragrant, colorful flowers from late spring to summer, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed pods, and once mature, the pods release seeds, completing the reproductive stage. During the final phase, as a tender annual, the plant senesces with the first frosts of autumn or winter, having completed its lifecycle within a single growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Sweet Pea 'Valerie Harrod' is by sowing seeds. Propagation from seeds typically begins in late winter to early spring, around February to April, depending on the climate. Seeds should be sown in deep pots or root trainers filled with potting compost. It is beneficial to nick the seed coat with a knife or file, or soak the seeds overnight in water to aid germination. Plant the seeds about 1 inch (2.54 cm) deep, spaced 2-3 inches (5-7.6 cm) apart. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination should occur in 10-14 days with sufficient warmth and light. Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, they can be transplanted outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.
