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Climber Wall ShrubAnnual Biennial

Lathyrus odoratus 'Madison'

sweet pea 'Madison'

'Madison' is a climbing annual to 2m tall with pinnate leaves and very fragrant pinkish-orange-red flowers from summer into autumn

© RHS
© RHS
© RHS
© RHS
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
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 Green
Summer Green Orange Pink Red Green
Autumn Green Orange Pink Red Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or East–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

Unresolved

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How to grow

Cultivation

Plant out seedlings 20-30cm apart after the final spring frost in well-drained but moisture-retentive humus-rich soil in full sun or very light dappled shade, and provide support. See sweetpea cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed: in milder areas sow during autumn, and overwinter the young plants in a cold frame or unheated glasshouse, or in colder areas sow in late March or April; plant out after the final spring frost. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Hedging and screens
  • Wall side borders
  • 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 and snails

Diseases

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

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.