Cottage Gardens: A Charming Colorful Haven with Sweet Pea Flowers
My favorite type of flower garden is a cottage garden—it has a charming, slightly untamed vibe that’s bursting with color that invites you to explore the variety of flora within. Sweet pea flowers (Lathyrus odoratus) are a popular choice in these gardens, admired for their captivating fragrance, delicate petals, and brilliant hues.

Native to the Mediterranean region, sweet peas are annual climbing plants that have been popular since the 17th century. This delicate charmer belongs to the timeless family of old-fashioned blooms, like hollyhocks and heirloom roses.

Characteristics and Varieties
Sweet peas are known for their soft, ruffled petals that bloom in a variety of shades, including pink, purple, blue, red, and white. They can grow as tall vines, reaching up to eight feet when properly supported, or as more compact bush varieties ideal for containers and smaller spaces. Their tendrils effectively attach to trellises and fences. When you need to add a bit of height in your garden, sweet pea flowers make a wonderful choice.

There are numerous sweet pea cultivars to choose from, each with its unique appeal. Popular varieties include ‘Cupani’s Original,’ which is noted for its intense fragrance and two-toned petals, and ‘Royal Family Mixed,’ a vigorous grower with large, brightly colored blooms.

Growing Sweet Pea Flowers
Sweet peas prefer well-drained, fertile soil and require a sunny location for the best growth. Plant them in early spring in cooler climates or during the fall in regions with mild winters. To get a head start on the growing season, you can soak their seeds overnight before planting to soften their hard outer shells.

This charming flower requires consistent moisture, but care should be taken to avoid waterlogging. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer promotes healthy growth and abundant blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages continuous flowering throughout the season.
For climbing varieties, sturdy supports such as trellises or bamboo stakes are essential. As the vines grow, gently tie them to the supports to guide their upward growth.


Fragrance and Uses
One of the most cherished features of sweet pea flowers is their delightful fragrance, which varies from faint to intense depending on the variety. The scent is reminiscent of honey and orange blossoms with a hint of jasmine. The fragrance makes sweet pea flowers a popular choice for floral arrangements, bouquets, and even perfumes.


Symbolism and Cultural Significance
Did you know that in the language of flowers, sweet peas represent pleasure, departure, and thank you? They can be given as a token of gratitude and are a traditional choice for spring bouquets in the spring and summer seasons. This cottage flower is sometimes included in wedding arrangements for their romantic appeal.

Sweet pea flowers are a delightful addition to any garden or floral arrangement, thanks to their captivating beauty, enchanting fragrance, and ease of cultivation. Whether cascading up a trellis or adding vibrant color to a vase, they bring joy and elegance to anyone who appreciates nature’s finest blooms.

Have you ever planted sweet peas in your garden?
I love sweet peas. We had them on the tables at our wedding and I love the fragrance. They are just so pretty & delicate.
What a pretty flower to use for a wedding! I’m sure everything was beautiful, Danielle.
Hi Jennifer, Hello again from Canada!! The Sweet Pea flowers are such a dainty, pretty flower, never seen them before, will definitely look for these flowers to plant here in the spring!! Thanks again for sharing! Sheri
Hi Sheri! If you can find small plants at the garden center, you can buy the seeds online. Enjoy them in your garden!
Jennifer, is there a perennial variety or do they reseed? I had a plant that showed up in my garden in Michigan every year until I eliminated that bed because it got too much shade.
Hi Linda!
Yes, there’s a perennial version! You can learn more about everlasting pea (Lathyrus latifolius) here: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lathyrus-latifolius/ That’s probably what you had in your Michigan garden.
I love this special little flower! Thank you for featuring them.
Glad you enjoyed this flower, Susan. It’s a charmer, for sure!
I love the look and smell of sweet peas. I live in Florida and would love to cultivate them. But I go away in the summer and I don’t know if we get enough rainfall to keep them alive. I may try for a season. Thanks for reminding us of this delicate little flower.
Hi Barbara! It might be worth a try! They’re so pretty.
These are one of my favorites and they smell so good.