This highly fragrant sweet pea is scrambling over supports on the Chronological Bed.
Introduced to our gardens in 1691 from Sicily by the monk Frances Cupani, Lathyrus odoratus ‘Cupani’ can be enjoyed on both the Chronological Bed, and in the Scented Garden. Although superceded in size by many modern cultivars, it is hard to beat for it’s intoxicating fragrance and bold colour combination of an upright, deeply coloured standard, and a paler spreading keel. This annual species should be sown in either October – December, or January – March. As the plants grow remove the twining tendrils and tie the plants in to supports, and ensure that the flowers are picked frequently to produce a succession of blooms.