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Annual Biennial

Lathyrus odoratus 'Solway Serenade'

sweet pea 'Solway Serenade'

A strongly fragrant sweetpea with bicoloured pink and red flowers. The plants grow to about 1m tall and are good in containers. Good for cutting

Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Red Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
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

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How to grow

Cultivation

Plant out in a sunny, sheltered spot in humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil. position the plants close to the base of their intended support, with two plants at the base of each cane if growing up a wigwam. Keep well-watered throughout the growing season and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser fortnightly. See sweetpea cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed in pots or rootrainers in autumn or spring and planting out in April, or sow seed directly into the soil in April. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • hanging basket
  • Patio and container plants
  • Banks and slopes
  • Bedding
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails and thrips

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, fusarium wilt, sweetpea viruses

Get involved

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