Lathyrus odoratus - 'Beaujolais' (Sweet Pea, Lathyrus)

This deep red sweetly scented sweet pea is a classic cottage garden plant. It grows fast and flowers swiftly right through the summer, producing masses of scented burgundy blossom that is best enjoyed from supported trellis or cane structures.

This fast growing sweet pea will grow on most decent water retentive soils, ideally in a sheltered spot in full sun for best effect. This sweet pea is an annual, so it will require replanting year on year. It will require plenty of effort from the gardener, in the form of sowing and growing and tying in climbing shoots into supports, as well as regular water during dry periods.

Strengths of Lathyrus odoratus:

• Scented blossom
• Ideal for fast growing screening
• Suitable for container growing
• Architectural plant – ideal as a ‘stand out’ plant
• Tolerates heavy clay soils

Weaknesses of Lathyrus odoratus

• Invasive top growth
• Tender exotic suitable only for very mild areas
• Does not tolerate very dry or very wet soils

Design & Plant Use for Lathyrus odoratus:

• Summer flowering herbaceous plant suitable for border planting
• Flowering climbing plant for added interest on walls and structures
• Flowering climbing plant for added interest on walls and structures
• Annual bedding plant ideal for quick seasonal colour
• Ideal for informal cottage garden style planting
• Tender exotic plant ideal for a sheltered urban garden in full sun

Common Missspellings: Lathirus, Latthyris, Lathyris

View all the plants listed in Genus Lathyrus

View other annuals with violet flowers, or annuals with medium green foliage