Sweet Pea 'Cilla'

Quick Facts

• Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus
• Classification: Spencer
• Petal Pattern: Solid / Flush
• Color Profile: Pale blue flush on a white ground
• Fragrance: Moderately Scented
• Breeder: Karen Bell (Introduced by Parsons)
• Year Introduced: 2020
• Flowering Type: Summer

Overview

'Cilla' is a contemporary, elegant summer-flowering Spencer sweet pea that graces the garden with a delicate pale blue flush over a crisp white ground. Because it belongs to the coveted Spencer class, it yields the large, beautifully waved and ruffled blossoms that are highly prized by both home gardeners and exhibitors. It is a fantastic choice for those looking to add a gentle, cool-toned pastel to their floral designs.

Growth Habit

As a tall Spencer type, 'Cilla' is a robust and vigorous climbing vine. It requires a sturdy vertical support structure, such as a trellis, netting, or a dedicated cordon setup, to successfully climb and produce its signature long-stemmed flowers.

Cultivation Notes

Because it is a traditional summer-flowering variety, 'Cilla' is a "long-day" plant that needs 12 hours or more of daylight to successfully initiate its blooming cycle. To maximize stem length and abundant flower production, it should be planted in deep, nutrient-rich, well-prepared soil. Consistent harvesting and the prompt deadheading of spent blooms are absolutely essential; if the plant is allowed to form seed pods, it will divert its energy and cease producing new flowers.

Historical Notes

Bred by Karen Bell of Liverpool, this modern variety was officially introduced to the commercial market by the seed firm Roger Parsons for the 2020 season (first appearing in their 2019-2020 catalogues). It stands as a beautiful modern addition to the long lineage of British sweet pea breeding.

In the Garden

Grown for: Soft, cool-toned cut flowers, adding a delicate pale blue blush to summer garden displays, and providing beautifully ruffled Spencer blooms for elegant vase arrangements.

Companion Planting: Pair this gentle pale blue flush with deep, dark jewel tones like the dark maroon 'Midnight' or the striking dark blue 'Lord Nelson' to create a bold visual contrast, or blend it seamlessly with soft pinks and crisp whites for a harmonious, romantic pastel display.