Lathyrus odoratus 'Mollie Rilstone'

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sweet pea 'Mollie Rilstone'

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sweet pea 'Mollie Rilstone' RHS
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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

Position

Full sun

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 or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or 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
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