Lathyrus odoratus Cupani | Sweet Pea

One of the most powerfully scented sweet peas. Position: full sun Soil: fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average to fast Flowering period: June to September Hardiness: hardy annual This sweet pea was first introduced to the UK in 1699 when a Sicilian monk, Francis Cupani, sent seeds of this highly fragrant annual to Dr Robert Uvedale, a teacher from Enfield, Middlesex. Thanks to its delicious scent the sweet pea has gained popularity throughout the centuries and over 400 years later the range of colours has increased enormously. Many of the modern varieties however lack the scent of their older relatives, which is why we have included this old variety in our collection. The flowers may be a little smaller than their recently introduced cousins, but they have a brilliant two-tone colour and the scent is to die for. You simply won't find a sweet pea with a better scent than this one. Garden care: Before planting out, incorporate lots of well-rotted organic matter in the planting hole. Apply a balanced liquid plant food every two weeks while in growth and deadhead regulary to encourage more flowers.