Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII is a beautiful and fragrant flowering plant that is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any garden. This annual climbing vine is known for its bright pink flowers and sweet aroma, making it a favorite of gardeners everywhere. The plant is easy to care for and will bloom throughout the summer months, providing a wonderful show of color and scent.
With its unique flowers and delicate fragrance, Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII is an ideal choice for any garden lover looking to add a little extra beauty to their outdoor space.
History and origin of lathyrus odoratus king edward vii
The dazzling Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII is a delightful garden treat for anyone looking for a splash of luxurious color. Prized by gardeners around the world, this vibrant bloom offers an eye-catching display whether planted in traditional perennial borders, cottage garden schemes, patio containers, or wildflower meadows.
This beautiful and versatile species of sweet pea is an English classic; known as a ‘National flower’ representing the UK, it has long enjoyed a strong position in British gardens. The plant’s namesake, King Edward VII, first introduced it to the nation in the early 20th century making it one of the H. M.
garden’s most cherished beauties. Described as ‘the most perfect and lovely of all sweet peas’ its popularity continues to soar throughout the world.
The vibrant double blooms of the King Edward possess a heavenly aroma and come in a range of different colors from pure white to deep red. They provide a generous season of blooming from mid-summer to late summer, while their vining habit gives the opportunity of stunning floral coverage across the garden. For the more humble gardener its charming buds are the ideal addition to a smaller outdoor spaceThe Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII is an iconic British bloom to add to any garden.
With their exquisite beauty, heavenly scent and vining habit they are a must-have for any true gardener seeking to cultivate a touch of English elegance.
Characteristics of lathyrus odoratus king edward vii
As a UK garden expert, I take great pride in discussing the charms of the outstanding Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII. For anyone with a passion for gardening, this beautiful annual flower is worth making an effort for.
The Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII has a graceful and attractive shape, with this variety of sweet pea boasting up to six blooms per stem. The colour is a deep mauve that has a beautiful shade and is perfect for any summer garden. The blooms give off powerful and delightful scent, making this a truly unique experience for both you and your garden visitors.
The sweet pea does best when grown in moist but well-drained soils, and given plenty of sun throughout the summer. It’s important to fertilise your King Edward VII frequently, and pay special attention to the roots of the plant which can easily become infested by common pests; so extra care and diligence are recommended here. This majestic flower also offers some reward in terms of harvest.
It can be cut to make lovely bouquets, which will fill any home with its heady scent. Alternatively, it is also edible.
When cooked as a vegetable, the pods or leaves offer a mild flavour not unlike asparagus. With the right care you could have a lawn full of glorious King Edward VII flowers, thriving with colour and scent before you know it.
Growing and caring for lathyrus odoratus king edward vii
Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII is an beautiful and highly sought after garden flower, adored by horticulturists and gardeners alike. It is a long-living variety of the sweet pea flower and grows up to 3 feet tall with striking vibrant purple blossoms. Its scented, intricate flowers make it an ideal choice for cottage gardens and borders, and its hardiness ensures that if looked after properly it will flower throughout the growing season.
Growing lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII is relatively straightforward. Start by sowing the seeds directly into the garden, about 3 inches apart in well-amended soil, in March or April.
Full sun and regular watering will ensure that your plants grow steadily and flower from late June through to October. Keep the plants watered to encourage growth and use a high-nitrogen fertiliser to promote vigorous and abundant blossoms. If your climate is especially dry, provide some shade during the hottest weeks of summer.
When caring for lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII, deadhead the flowers regularly to prevent the plant setting seed, and pinch or snip the stems to encourage bushier growth. Regular weeding, feeding, and mulching will all help to maintain the soil quality, while staking the plants will help to prevent them from becoming too top-heavy.
If you’re not expecting any particularly cold weather between April and June, you can also winter-sow the seeds to get an early start in the growing season. In summary, to get the most out of growing lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII in your garden, take care to provide ample water and sun exposure, fertilize regularly and deadhead the flowers.
Follow these simple steps and you will be rewarded with a magnificent explosion of vibrant purple blossoms, adding a delightful splash of color and perfume to your garden.
Uses and benefits of lathyrus odoratus king edward vii
Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII is a pea variety that has been around since the days of King Edward VIII. This heirloom variety is a climbing annual legume known for its sweet scented flowers.
It is a beautiful climber with richly coloured blooms that have an intense fragrance of honey and spice. As with most peas, King Edward VII can be used for both ornamental and edible purposes. In terms of decorative purpose, the beauty and aroma of this delicate pea variety make it an ideal addition to gardens.
The fragrant blooms come in a variety of colors and offer a stunning display when given enough space to thrive. The airy vines can be trained along trellises, fences or arbors, or simply climbing up and over provided it gets support. As an edible crop, Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII makes a nourishing, high-protein addition to any diet.
The young, green and tender peapods are edible raw or cooked-harvest and eat pods for a succulent green treat. The seeds, too, can be cooked to gain all the nutritional benefits of this legume.
When cooked and processed properly, these peas are a great source of minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber. With all the positive health benefits, it’s no wonder why some people refer to these as “superfood” peas. Overall, Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII is a fascinating pea variety that adds beauty and nutrition to any garden.
With its fragrant flowers and tasty green pods, this climbing annual legume allows gardeners to reap visual and culinary rewards. Having a supply of King Edward VII peas in the garden means having a fresh source of greenery and nutrition, just waiting to be harvested.
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Conclusion
The Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII is a popular garden flower, known for its sweet scent and vibrant pink colour. This annual flower is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance, making it a great addition to any garden.
It is also a great choice for cut flower arrangements, as it can last up to two weeks in a vase. The King Edward VII variety of Lathyrus odoratus is a reliable bloomer and will bring a burst of colour to any garden.
FAQ
What is the scientific name of Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII?
The scientific name of Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII is Lathyrus odoratus ‘King Edward VII’.
What are the characteristics of Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII?
Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII is a sweet-scented annual climbing plant with dark green leaves and bright pink flowers. It is a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 2 meters in height and is ideal for growing in containers or as a ground cover. It is also drought tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.
How does Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII differ from other varieties of sweet peas?
Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII is a variety of sweet pea that is distinguished by its large, deep maroon-purple flowers. It is also more fragrant than other varieties of sweet pea.
What is the ideal climate for growing Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII?
The ideal climate for growing Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII is one with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
How long does it take for Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII to reach maturity?
It takes approximately 8-10 weeks for Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII to reach maturity.
What are the benefits of growing Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII?
The benefits of growing Lathyrus odoratus King Edward VII include its fragrant, showy blooms, its ability to attract pollinators, its drought tolerance, and its long blooming season.
