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Annual BiennialClimber Wall Shrub

Lathyrus odoratus 'Mollie Rilstone'

sweet pea 'Mollie Rilstone'

A strongly-scented, large flowered, Spencer cultivar with a cream ground and a pale-pink, picotee edge; the flower begins to open before the colours pale. Height 1.5-2.5m

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Cream Pink Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
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

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun with support. Incorporate organic matter into the soil before planting and feed with a general liquid fertiliser once a month when in growth. See sweetpea cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown autumn or spring. Germination may be improved by pre-soaking or chipping before sowing. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

For a long and regular supply of blooms, cut flowers frequently, before they produce seed pods

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails, pollen beetles and pigeon

Diseases

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

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