Lathyrus odoratus 'Lady Grisel Hamilton'

RHS Plant Profile
sweet pea 'Lady Grisel Hamilton'
Award of Garden Merit
Climber Wall Shrub

An annual climber, to around 2m high, with curling tendrils and pairs of green leaves. An old-fashioned variety, producing small, scented, pale lavender-coloured flowers in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing
Potentially harmful
Pods and seeds are not edible. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Pods and seeds are not edible. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Lathyrus can be annuals or herbaceous or evergreen perennials, mostly climbing, with pinnate leaves ending in a tendril, and showy pea-like flowers, fragrant in some species
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light dappled shade. Provide support and feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks when in growth. See sweetpea cultivation for more detailed advice See https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/trials-awards for further information about RHS plant trials and awards

Propagation

Propagate by seed. Sow in a cold frame in early autumn, early spring or in-situ in mid-spring. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Cut flowers
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Cut regularly to encourage more flowers; allowing seed pods to form will stop plants from flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, Fusarium wilt and sweet pea viruses