Sweetpea

(Lathyrus odoratus)

Sweetpea (Lathyrus odoratus)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Lathyrus odoratus image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Climate Requirements

• Precipitation 2" - 92"
• High Temp. 56°F - 111°F
• Low Temp. -10°F - 64°F
Zoom to location

Summary

Lathyrus odoratus, commonly known as Sweetpea, is an annual vine or herb native to the Mediterranean region, including Southern Italy and Sicily. It thrives in open areas such as meadows and on the edges of fields where it can climb on supports. Sweetpea reaches a height of 1–2 meters (3 ft 3 in – 6 ft 7 in) with the aid of its tendrils, which twine around nearby plants and structures. The foliage consists of pinnate leaves with two leaflets and a terminal tendril. Its flowers, typically purple in the wild, are renowned for their strong, sweet fragrance and can bloom in a wide array of colors in cultivated varieties, ranging from white to pink, red, and blue. The blooming period is in mid-summer, and the flowers are particularly showy, making them a favorite for ornamental use.

Sweetpea is valued for its fragrant, colorful flowers and its ability to quickly cover trellises and fences, adding vertical interest to gardens. It is commonly used in border planting and as cut flowers due to their delightful scent and attractive blooms. Sweetpea prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, and it requires medium amounts of water. It is adaptable to various soil types, provided they have good drainage. While generally easy to grow, Sweetpea can be susceptible to pests such as aphids and diseases like powdery mildew. It’s important to provide adequate air circulation around plants to minimize disease risk.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Vine, Herb
  • Height: 3-8 feet
  • Width: 2-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Blue, Pink, Purple, Red, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to the Mediterranean region, including Southern Italy and Sicily, thriving in open meadows and field edges

Other Names

Common Names: Sweet Pea, Etirli Kululche, Bunte Wicke, Duftende Platterbse, Duftwicke, Gartenwicke, Guisante De Olor, Laats, Tuoksuherne, Gesse Odorante

Scientific Names: Lathyrus odoratus, Lathyrus odoratus var. siculus, Lathyrus odoratus f. pleniflorus, Lathyrus cyprius, Lathyrus maccaguenii, Lathyrus odoratus var. albus, Lathyrus odoratus var. ater, Lathyrus odoratus var. carneus, Lathyrus odoratus var. pardalinus

GBIF Accepted Name: Lathyrus odoratus L.