Lathyrus odoratus 'Valentine'

RHS Plant Profile
sweet pea 'Valentine'

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sweet pea 'Valentine' RHS
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Climber Wall Shrub

An annual climber, to around 2m high, with curling tendrils and pairs of mid green leaves. Free-flowering, producing clusters of strongly scented, pure white 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

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
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
Seeds and pods are not edibleingestion may cause mild stomach upset. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
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. This plant was included in the RHS Lathyrus (sweet pea) trial 2022-2023 https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/trials-awards/plant-trial-results/sweet-peas

Propagation

Propagate by seed: in milder areas sow during autumn, and overwinter the young plants in a cold frame or unheated glasshouse, or in colder areas sow in late March or April. Plant out when risk of frost has passed

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