Quick Facts
- Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus
- Classification: Spencer
- Petal Pattern: Solid/Self
- Color Profile: Pale blue
- Breeder: Charlie Hanmer (Introduced by Unwins)
- Year Introduced: 1990
- Flowering Type: Summer-flowering
Overview
'Charlie's Angel' is an immensely popular sweet pea cherished for its voluminous, heavily ruffled blossoms. Presenting a beautiful, clear pale blue hue, it serves as an outstanding example of the modern Spencer type, bringing a cool, tranquil splash of color to any arrangement.
Growth Habit
Typical of the Summer-flowering Spencer class, this variety is a robust and vigorous climbing vine. It requires a strong vertical support system, such as a tall trellis or netting, to accommodate its height and allow for the development of its signature long, straight flower stems.
Cultivation Notes
To maximize stem length and bloom size, seeds should be started in deep rootrainers and planted out into deeply trenched, cool soil before the warm weather hits. Pinch the central leader when the seedling is a few inches tall to promote strong basal side shoots. Ensure the vines are consistently watered throughout the season, and continually harvest the flowers to trick the plant into producing endless blooms rather than setting seed.
Historical Notes
This variety was bred by Hanmer and officially introduced to the commercial market by the renowned seed firm Unwins in 1990, having been previously recorded in the National Sweet Pea Society's Annual in 1988.
In the Garden
Grown for: Premium cut flowers, exhibition displays, and adding highly textured pastel color to garden structures.
Companion Planting: The soft pale blue perfectly complements dark, moody varieties like 'Almost Black' or 'Midnight', and blends beautifully with soft pinks and crisp whites for a classic, romantic bouquet.
