Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 'Wretham Pink'
ABOUT
The Lathyrus odoratus 'Wretham Pink', commonly known as sweet pea, is a flowering plant known for its captivating appearance and appealing fragrance. It exhibits a delicate and enchanting show of pink blossoms, which exude a pleasingly sweet scent. The flowers of the Wretham Pink variety present a soft pink coloration that often displays a gradient of hues, ranging from a gentle blush to bolder tones of pink. They bear a classic shape consisting of a standard petal that uprights or 'flags', and lower wings that artistically spread out, giving the bloom a butterfly-like appearance. The foliage of sweet pea 'Wretham Pink' consists of paired leaflets that are bright green, typically with tendril-like extensions that aid the plant in climbing. These vines are slender and exhibit a graceful habit, often twining around supports to give the plant vertical interest. Thanks to these tendrils, sweet pea plants can cling to trellises, fences, or other structures, creating a picturesque scene as they cascade with their vibrant and perfumed flowers. The overall impression of 'Wretham Pink' is one of elegance and charming color, making it a favored choice for gardeners who desire to add a touch of antique romance and delightful fragrance to their garden spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea, Eternal Pea.
Common names
Lathyrus odoratus.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as sweet pea, including the variety 'Wretham Pink', contains toxic amino acids, particularly in its seeds and seed pods. The toxic principle is known as Lathyrus. If ingested in large quantities, it can cause a condition called lathyrism, characterized by neuromuscular symptoms which may include weakness, lethargy, and in severe cases, convulsions and paralysis. Chronic ingestion can lead to more serious neurological damage that may be irreversible. It is advised to avoid consumption of any part of the sweet pea plant to prevent these possible consequences.
To pets
Sweet pea, including the variety 'Wretham Pink', is toxic to pets due to its content of amino acid-based toxins, including those in a group called Lathyrus. When pets consume parts of the plant, especially the seeds and pods, they can experience symptoms similar to those in humans, such as vomiting, lethargy, tremors, convulsions, and in severe cases, paralysis. Chronic exposure could lead to lasting neurological damage. It is important to keep pets away from the sweet pea plant to avoid these health risks.
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 'Wretham Pink', commonly known as Sweet Pea, adds beautiful pink hues to gardens with its delicate blossoms.
- Fragrance - Sweet Peas are well-known for their sweet, pleasant fragrance that can perfume an entire garden area.
- Attracts Pollinators - The vibrant flowers of the Sweet Pea attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies to your garden.
- Climbing Growth Habit - As a climbing plant, Sweet Peas can be used to decorate trellises, fences, and other vertical structures.
- Cut Flowers - The blooms make excellent cut flowers for arrangements, adding both color and fragrance to bouquets.
- Seasonal Color - Sweet Peas bloom in the spring and early summer, providing seasonal interest and variety in the garden.
- Easy to Grow - They are relatively easy to grow, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Educational - Growing Sweet Peas can be educational for both children and adults, teaching about plant growth and gardening techniques.
- Versatility - Sweet Peas can be grown in pots or containers for those with limited garden space.
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: The sweet pea's vivid colors and delicate form have inspired artists and designers, serving as a muse for paintings, textiles, and other creative works.
- Education: In botanical studies, sweet peas are often used to educate students about pollination and the growth of climbing plants.
- Floral Language: In the Victorian era, sweet peas were used to convey messages in the language of flowers, often symbolizing delicate pleasure or goodbyes.
- Dye Production: Although not a common use, sweet peas can potentially be used to create natural dyes for coloration of textiles or crafts.
- Garden Companionship: They are planted to support the growth of other plants, aiding in climbing or providing shade for lower-growing, sun-sensitive species.
- Scented Sachets: Dried sweet pea flowers can be used in scented sachets to impart a pleasant fragrance to drawers and closets.
- Wedding Decor: Sweet peas are popular choices for wedding bouquets and decorations due to their range of colors and delicate appearance.
- Flower Shows: Sweet peas are often featured in flower shows and horticultural competitions for their beauty and variety of colors.
- Seed Crafts: The seeds of sweet peas, though toxic for consumption, can be used in crafts such as seed mosaics or for educational activities on plant life cycles.
- Horticultural Therapy: Sweet peas are used in therapeutic garden settings to promote well-being by engaging the senses and providing a focus for relaxation and stress relief.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Sweet Pea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Sweet Pea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Blissful Pleasure: The sweet pea is often associated with delightful and blissful experiences due to their pleasant fragrance and attractive flowers.
- Goodbye and Departure: Sweet peas can symbolize a farewell or a goodbye, making them appropriate for occasions when someone is leaving or moving on.
- Kindness: The delicate nature of the flower can represent kindness and tenderness shared between individuals.
- Gratitude: Sweet peas are also linked to expressions of thanks, making them a fitting choice for gifts when you want to show appreciation.
- Lasting Pleasure: A symbol for pleasures that endure, representing long-lasting enjoyment and satisfaction in one's life.
WaterSweet peas like Lathyrus odoratus 'Wretham Pink' require consistent moisture, especially when they are actively growing and flowering. Water them thoroughly once to twice a week, depending on weather conditions, making sure the water penetrates deep into the soil to encourage deep root growth. During particularly hot or dry periods, you might need to water more frequently. Aim to provide about one gallon of water per plant each week, adjusting as necessary for rainfall and temperature changes. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of disease; instead, water at the base of the plant early in the morning.
LightFor Sweet pea 'Wretham Pink', full sun is the best light condition to promote strong growth and abundant flowers. Choose a spot where the plant will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Avoid placing sweet peas in full shade, as this will limit their blooming potential and may result in leggy, weak growth.
TemperatureSweet pea 'Wretham Pink' prefers moderate temperatures and will thrive best when daytime temperatures are between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with cooler night temperatures. They can tolerate short periods of colder weather down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit and will generally not do well in high heat, especially if temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods. To ensure vigorous growth and optimal flowering, try to maintain the temperature within this range as much as possible.
PruningPruning Sweet pea 'Wretham Pink' is essential for encouraging continuous blooming and preventing the plant from becoming too leggy. Pinch out the growing tips when plants are 4-6 inches tall to promote bushy growth. Throughout the season, regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. The best time for pruning is in the winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet peas thrive in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A rich mix can be achieved by combining equal parts of loamy garden soil, peat, compost, and a handful of perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.
RepottingSweet peas generally do not need to be repotted as they are annual plants. They are usually sown directly where they are to flower, or started in biodegradable pots to minimize root disturbance.
Humidity & MistingSweet peas prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable. They grow well outdoors where they can tolerate the natural variations in humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place sweet peas in a sunny spot and support with a trellis.
Outdoor
Plant in a sunny area, provide support, enrich soil.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Lathyrus odoratus 'Wretham Pink', commonly known as Sweet Pea, begins with seed germination, typically in the spring when soil temperatures reach about 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Emerging from the soil, seedlings develop into vigorous climbing vines that require support, such as trellises or staking, to grow properly. As the plant matures, it produces distinctive, attractively colored flowers with a strong fragrance, which in the 'Wretham Pink' variety results in a variety of pink tones. These blossoms typically appear in the late spring to early summer, depending on the climate. After pollination, usually by insects, the flowers develop into pods containing seeds that reach maturity late in the summer. Once the seeds mature, the plant completes its annual cycle, with the parent plant dying after seed set, although it can self-seed or seeds can be collected for planting the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The Sweet Pea 'Wretham Pink' is typically propagated by seed, and the ideal time for sowing is either in late fall or early spring. For spring sowing, it is beneficial to start the seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date to give the plants a head start. Soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting can help to soften the hard seed coat and improve germination rates. After soaking, sow the seeds about 1 inch deep in well-draining soil and space them 2 to 3 inches apart. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and provide a support structure for the climbing vines as they grow. Germination typically occurs within 10 to 14 days in temperatures between 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 18 degrees Celsius). Once seedlings have developed several true leaves and all risk of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors to a sunny spot with rich, fertile soil.
