The April plant of the month is the perennial Sweet Pea and what a beauty it is! It brings me right back to spring time with my grandmother, Sarah. Sarah planted this lovely climbing plant in our garden in Mayo and it provided me with so much delight every summer. This everlasting sweet pea flowering climber flowers from June to October, each and every summer.

History of the Sweet Pea

The sweet pea is a flowering plant in the genus Lathyrus in the family Fabaceae, native to Sicily, Cyprus, southern Italy and the Aegean Islands.  Lathyrus is derived from the Greek lathyros, meaning ‘pea’ or ‘pulse’, with latifolius being derived from the Latin latus meaning ‘wide’ and folium meaning ‘leaf’. It was introduced around 1635, however it didn’t became popular in gardens until the early 1900’s. It was very fashionable in Victorian England, often grown over a floral cage!

The stunning sweet pea has clusters of delicate pink flowers, making it is one of the finest cut flowers. Despite its lack of scent, it is always a colourful addition to the garden. It is justifiably popular as it blooms throughout the summer months.

Care of the Sweet Pea

• It is easy to grow.
• It is drought, salt and wind tolerant.
• It requires little care.

Where to plant the Sweet Pea

Plant the everlasting sweet pea to cover large walls, trellis, arbors or fences. It will grow quickly and can grow up to 6 feet per year and flowers for over 4 months. Why not mix the sweet pea with other climbers, to add colour to many areas of your garden? It is available in pink, pink pearl or white pearl.

Do you have a gardening question on your mind? If so, just contact your local store where one of our helpful and knowledgeable staff will be happy to help and answer any questions you may have.