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Annual Biennial

Lathyrus odoratus 'Solway Classic'

sweet pea 'Solway Classic'

A bushy and floriferous sweetpea bearing white flowers heavily suffused with crimson. This compact variety reaches around 1m in height

Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 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
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Red Green
Autumn White Red 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

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 feed fortnightly. See sweetpea cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed in pots or rootrainers in autumn or spring and planting them out in April, or sow them 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
  • Patio and container plants
  • Bedding
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails and thrips

Diseases

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

Get involved

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