Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'William Willson'
ABOUT
Sweet pea 'William Wilson' is a striking flowering plant known for its beautiful blossoms. Characterized by its eye-catching blooms, this variety typically features rich, deep violet and blue flowers. The petals are often adorned with a delicate, lighter shade or even a bicolor pattern, creating a mesmerizing contrast that can catch the eye from afar. The flowers of this sweet pea variety are not just visually appealing but also emit a strong, sweet fragrance that can fill the air around them, making them a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements alike. Each bloom displays a classic sweet pea shape, with large, winged petals that create a fluttery and soft appearance. The leaves of the plant are bright green, and they are usually pinnate, with multiple leaflets arranged on either side of a common axis, providing a feathery backdrop to the showy flowers. The stems are slender and can intertwine or climb, which means they are often seen trailing on trellises or supports, adding vertical interest to gardens and allowing the full display of the blooms. Gardeners prize the sweet pea 'William Wilson' not just for its aesthetic appeal but also for the touch of elegance and charm its blossoms add to any setting. It is often grown in flower beds, borders, and containers where its delightful scent and captivating colors can be most appreciated.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea, Sweetpea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus, Orobus odoratus.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet pea, specifically Lathyrus odoratus 'William Willson', contains toxic amino acids, such as beta-aminopropionitrile, that can potentially cause a condition called lathyrism if ingested in large quantities. Lathyrism is a neurological disease that can result in symptoms such as muscle weakness, paralysis, and potentially irreversible crippling effects if large amounts or concentrated sources of the seeds are consumed over time. However, occasional ingestion of the flowers or seeds in small quantities typically does not cause serious problems. It is still recommended to avoid ingesting any part of the sweet pea plant, and parents should ensure that children do not eat the seeds or other parts of the plant.
To pets
Sweet pea, including the variety Lathyrus odoratus 'William Willson', can be toxic to pets if ingested. The seeds contain compounds that are particularly harmful, and ingestion can result in a condition known as lathyrism, which can cause symptoms such as lethargy, pacing, head pressing, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, potentially fatal neurological damage. Chronic ingestion can lead to muscle wasting and changes in gait. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting the seeds or any other parts of the sweet pea plant to avoid the risk of toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.30 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Sweet Pea 'William Wilson' has vibrant, colorful flowers that can enhance the visual beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: This variety is known for its sweet, pleasant aroma that can add an olfactory element to garden spaces and cut flower arrangements.
- Attracting Wildlife: The blossoms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Easy to Grow: Sweet peas, including the 'William Wilson' variety, are relatively easy to cultivate, making them a good choice for novice gardeners.
- Versatility: They can be grown in various settings, including borders, trellises, and containers, allowing for flexible garden design.
- Cutting Garden Plant: The long stems and attractive blooms make them ideal for cutting gardens to produce fresh bouquets.
- Seasonal Interest: They provide seasonal interest, particularly in spring and early summer when they tend to bloom the most.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion Planting: Sweet pea 'William Willson' can be planted alongside vegetables in a garden to attract pollinators, which can help increase the yield of vegetable crops.
- Natural Fertilizer: The plant fixes nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit the growth of other plants when used as green manure or when the decomposing plant matter is turned into the soil.
- Educational Tool: Sweet pea 'William Willson' is an excellent example for teaching genetics and inheritance due to its easily observable traits like flower color, making it suitable for educational garden projects.
- Art Inspiration: The vibrant colors and delicate shapes of sweet pea flowers are often used as subjects in floral paintings, drawings, and photography classes.
- Craft Supplies: Dried sweet pea pods and flowers can be used in making craft items such as potpourri or decorative arrangements.
- Garden Design: Sweet pea 'William Willson' can be used in formal garden designs to provide a sense of Victorian elegance with its climbing habit and vibrant flowers.
- Dye Production: Though not commonly used for this purpose, the petals can be boiled to produce a natural dye for fabrics or art projects.
- Seed Saving: Sweet pea seeds are relatively easy to save and can be used as a way to teach seed-saving practices for sustainable gardening.
- Fragrance Extraction: Although not a common commercial practice, the flowers can be used to create a natural fragrance for homemade perfumes or scented sachets.
- Biodiversity Enhancement: Planting sweet pea 'William Willson' can increase biodiversity in the garden by providing habitat and food for a variety of insects and birds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSweet pea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySweet pea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Delicate Pleasure: Sweet pea, the common name for Lathyrus odoratus, traditionally symbolizes delicate or blissful pleasure, representing the joy one may find in the simpler aspects of life.
- Goodbye: Sweet pea flowers are also associated with goodbyes, often used as a farewell gesture or to signify a departure, whether it's the end of an event or someone moving away.
- Thank You: These flowers can express gratitude, making them an ideal gift when one wants to say thanks.
- Blissful Pleasure: Emphasizing the positive connotations of pleasure, sweet pea signifies the deep satisfaction and happiness one can experience from various life circumstances.
- Delicate or Subtle Beauty: Owing to its intricate and tender appearance, sweet pea can also represent a beauty that is not overt or bold, but rather softly enchanting and graceful.
WaterSweet peas require consistent moisture to thrive, so it's important to water them regularly. Depending on the climate and weather conditions, they should usually be watered once or twice a week. The goal is to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is best to water the plant with approximately 1 gallon of water per week, but this can vary with temperature and humidity. Make sure to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightSweet peas flourish best in full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. They should be planted in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Full sun exposure encourages strong growth and optimal flowering, so ensure they're positioned to receive plenty of light without getting scorched in excessive afternoon heat.
TemperatureSweet peas prefer cooler temperatures and will flourish in conditions between 55°F and 65°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 50°F and a maximum of 70°F before showing signs of stress. For optimal growth, make sure to plant sweet peas in an area where the ambient temperature will stay within this ideal range. Exposure to extreme temperatures outside this range can hinder flowering and overall plant health.
PruningPruning sweet peas is crucial for encouraging more flowers and preventing the plant from becoming leggy. Pinch off the tips of the plant when they are about 6 inches tall to promote bushy growth. Regularly remove faded flowers and seed pods to stimulate new blooms. Pruning is best done during the cooler parts of the day, and should be performed every few weeks during the blooming period to keep the plant tidy and productive.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet Pea 'William Willson' prefers a well-draining soil enriched with organic compost and a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingSweet Peas typically do not require frequent repotting and can be sown directly where they are to flower since they have delicate root systems.
Humidity & MistingSweet Pea 'William Willson' thrives in moderate humidity conditions but does not require specific humidity levels to grow successfully.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, keep soil moist, and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, enrich the soil with compost, and provide support for climbing.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleSweet pea 'William Wilson' begins its life cycle when seeds are sown, typically in late winter or early spring, which then germinate to form seedlings. The seedlings grow rapidly and develop into climbing vines, which will need support as tendrils emerge. Leaves form as the plant matures, creating the necessary foliage for photosynthesis. During late spring or early summer, flowering occurs, producing the fragrant, colorful flowers that are characteristic of sweet peas. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers form seed pods which mature and eventually dry on the plant. As the pods release their seeds, the cycle is prepared to begin anew with the next planting season, with the parent plant eventually dying after seed production, usually within the same growing year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The sweet pea 'William Willson' is most commonly propagated through seeds. The best time to plant sweet pea seeds is in late winter or early spring. Before sowing, it's beneficial to soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer shell and encourage germination. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep in well-draining soil and space them about 2 to 3 inches apart. It's essential to provide support for the climbing vines, so placing them near a fence or trellis is advisable. Seedlings typically emerge in 10 to 21 days, and for best results, they should be thinned out to about 5 to 6 inches apart, allowing ample space for growth.
