Sweet Pea ‘Mrs. R. Penney’
Lathyrus annuus
Description
We saw this variety at a garden show in England and it stopped me dead in my tracks. Long, grass-like foliage is topped with glowing salmon-orange flowers. While similar to ‘Hotham Red’, ‘Mrs R Penney’ has larger blooms that are more orange in color. While the flowers don’t have any fragrance, they are worth growing for their unusual coloring and ability to double as a foliage. Their adorable tendrils add the most magical touch to arrangements. This plant is wonderful in the garden and also suitable for containers.
Please note: Unlike garden peas, sweet pea seeds are poisonous if ingested. Use caution around children and pets.
Details
Height: 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 8 in
Pinch: when 4 to 6 in tall
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
In mild areas, seed can be sown in pots in the fall, overwintered in a sheltered spot, and planted out in spring. Everywhere else, sow seed 10 to 12 weeks before last frost and transplant out right around last frost. Provide a strong trellis or support for vines to climb.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Details
Description
We saw this variety at a garden show in England and it stopped me dead in my tracks. Long, grass-like foliage is topped with glowing salmon-orange flowers. While similar to ‘Hotham Red’, ‘Mrs R Penney’ has larger blooms that are more orange in color. While the flowers don’t have any fragrance, they are worth growing for their unusual coloring and ability to double as a foliage. Their adorable tendrils add the most magical touch to arrangements. This plant is wonderful in the garden and also suitable for containers.
Please note: Unlike garden peas, sweet pea seeds are poisonous if ingested. Use caution around children and pets.
Details
Height: 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 8 in
Pinch: when 4 to 6 in tall
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
In mild areas, seed can be sown in pots in the fall, overwintered in a sheltered spot, and planted out in spring. Everywhere else, sow seed 10 to 12 weeks before last frost and transplant out right around last frost. Provide a strong trellis or support for vines to climb.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Sources
How to Grow
How to Grow
Winter Mini Course: Seed-Starting 101
Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series
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