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 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
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
H3Botanical 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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