From care tips to varieties, origins and symbolism, discover everything about Lathyrus as a cut flower here. In this complete guide you’ll learn how to recognise Lathyrus, which varieties exist, how best to care for Lathyrus in a vase, and what this fragrant flower symbolises.
Characteristics and flowering of Lathyrus
Lathyrus, also known as Sweet Pea, is an elegant and strongly scented cut flower that is closely associated with spring and early summer.
Typical characteristics of Lathyrus are:
- Butterfly-like flowers
- Thin, elegant stems
- Fresh green climbing leaves
- A subtle, sweet fragrance
The flowering period of Lathyrus runs from April into the summer, with a peak in May. This makes it a typical spring flower that is often used in romantic spring bouquets.
What makes Lathyrus particularly special as a cut flower is its airy appearance. The flower looks refined and delicate, instantly giving a bouquet a natural and charming feel.
Lathyrus name and family
The botanical name of Lathyrus is Lathyrus odoratus. Lathyrus is the genus name within the pea family, and odoratus means ‘fragrant’.
Lathyrus belongs to the Fabaceae (pea family). Other plants within this family include Lupine, Wisteria and Broom. The nickname Ornamental Pea refers to its relationship with edible peas, but Lathyrus is an ornamental flower and is not grown as a vegetable.
Lathyrus colours and shapes
Lathyrus is available in soft, romantic shades such as pastel pink, lilac, deep purple, creamy white, soft blue, or even two-tone colour combinations.
The flower consists of several petals that together create a butterfly-like shape, which is where the family name Fabaceae (pea family) comes from.
Because of its thin stems and loose flowering form, Lathyrus looks playful rather than dense. This makes the flower perfect to combine with fuller spring flowers such as Ranunculus or Peony.
Forget reed diffusers, home fragrances and scented candles. With Lathyrus you simply bring your own beautiful floral perfume into the house.
What varieties of Lathyrus are there?
There are more than 150 species within the Lathyrus genus, but in bouquets and at the florist the focus is mainly on Lathyrus odoratus, better known as the Ornamental Pea or Sweet Pea. This variety is loved for its wonderful fragrance and romantic, butterfly-like flowers.
In shops you will mostly come across large-flowered cultivars with extra-long stems and a strong scent. Well-known names you may encounter include ‘Spencer’, with large, ruffled petals, ‘Royal Family’, popular for its rich colours and sturdy stems, and ‘Matucana’, a classic with purple-pink flowers and an intense perfume. These varieties are not only beautiful to look at, they also last well in a vase, allowing you to enjoy their fragrance and appearance for longer.
Lathyrus care in a vase
On average, Lathyrus stays beautiful in a vase for 4 to 7 days. Want to enjoy Lathyrus as a cut flower for as long as possible? Proper care makes all the difference.
- Cut the stems diagonally with a sharp knife
- Remove any leaves that would sit in the water
- Place your Lathyrus in clean, cool water
- Add cut flower food
- Refresh the water every two days
Tip: Lathyrus does not like heat. So avoid placing the vase in direct sunlight or next to a radiator. You can read more general tips on keeping your flowers beautiful in a vase for as long as possible in this article.
Lathyrus as a garden plant
Lathyrus is also popular as a garden plant, where the climbing plant grows upwards along trellises or mesh and flowers over a long period.
Lathyrus: meaning and symbolism
Lathyrus symbolises gratitude, farewell, fond memories and friendship. In Victorian flower language, Lathyrus was often given as a subtle way to thank someone for a lovely time together. Wonderfully dramatic, in other words. The soft appearance and fragrance reinforce that feeling of tenderness and sincerity.
Where does Lathyrus come from?
Lathyrus odoratus originates from Southern Italy and Sicily. In the 17th century the flower was introduced to England, where growers began developing stronger and more fragrant varieties. From there, Lathyrus grew into a beloved spring flower across Europe.
How do you grow Lathyrus?
Curious about how Lathyrus is grown? Take a colourful look inside the greenhouse of Lathyrus.nl, the world’s largest Lathyrus grower. Growers Rob and Jarek explain everything about the growing process from pod to flower, share tips on caring for Lathyrus, and take you into the world of this enchanting, wonderfully fragrant flower.
Lathyrus is a wonderfully romantic eye-catcher that can elevate your entire interior. Read more here about an original way to arrange this flower.
