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Description
Lathyrus Odoratus Painted Lady, commonly known as sweet pea, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a climbing annual plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall. The plant produces fragrant flowers that bloom in various colors, including pink, white, red, and purple. The flowers have a distinct butterfly-like shape and a sweet fragrance that makes them a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements. Lathyrus Odoratus Painted Lady is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for novice gardeners.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lathyrus |
Appearance
The leaves of Lathyrus Odoratus Painted Lady are dark green and divided into two leaflets. The flowers grow on long stems and have a distinctive butterfly-like shape. The flowers come in various colors, including pink, white, red, and purple. The plant produces pods that contain seeds, which can be harvested for planting in the following season.
Care Guide
Lathyrus Odoratus Painted Lady is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, but do not over-water. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Lathyrus Odoratus Painted Lady is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lathyrus Odoratus Painted Lady is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some common ones:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on the plant’s sap. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mildew: Mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powder to appear on the leaves. It can be treated with a fungicide.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the plant’s sap. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Lathyrus Odoratus Painted Lady is native to Italy and southern Europe but is now widely cultivated in temperate regions around the world. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lathyrus Odoratus Painted Lady an annual or perennial plant?
A: Lathyrus Odoratus Painted Lady is an annual plant.
Q: Can I grow Lathyrus Odoratus Painted Lady indoors?
A: While Lathyrus Odoratus Painted Lady can be grown indoors, it prefers full sun and may not thrive in indoor conditions.
Q: Does Lathyrus Odoratus Painted Lady attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Lathyrus Odoratus Painted Lady attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies with its sweet fragrance.
Q: Can I eat the seeds of Lathyrus Odoratus Painted Lady?
A: No, the seeds of Lathyrus Odoratus Painted Lady are toxic and should not be consumed.
Related Plants
- Lathyrus Latifolius
- Lathyrus Nissolia
- Lathyrus Tuberosus
References
- “Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea).” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/10951/Lathyrus-odoratus/Details (accessed September 17, 2021).
- “Lathyrus odoratus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280055 (accessed September 17, 2021).
- “Lathyrus odoratus.” Plant of the Week. University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. https://www.uaex.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/sweet-pea-3-11-11.aspx (accessed September 17, 2021).
