Quick Facts
- Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus
- Classification: Spencer
- Petal Pattern: Solid / Self
- Color Profile: Pale pink flush resting over a warm cream ground (Cream Pink)
- Fragrance: Moderately Scented (Classic Spencer citrus profile)
- Breeder: Harrod
- Year Introduced: 2007
- Flowering Type: Summer-flowering (requires approximately 12 hours of daylight to initiate blooms)
Overview
'Heaven Scent' is a delightful, modern Spencer sweet pea celebrated for its gentle and highly romantic color palette. The beautifully ruffled blossoms feature a soft, airy pink complexion that blends seamlessly into a luminous cream base. Because of its understated, warm pastel tones, this variety is a favorite among floral designers who need subtle, elegant flowers to soften and harmonize wedding bouquets or delicate vase arrangements.
Growth Habit
Showcasing the energetic climbing traits expected of a summer-flowering Spencer, 'Heaven Scent' is a vigorous vine that requires a substantial vertical support system. Providing a tall trellis, netting, or a sturdy bamboo teepee will easily accommodate its upward stretch and ensure the plant is able to produce the long, straight stems so highly valued for cutting.
Cultivation Notes
To maximize stem length and plant health, start the seeds in deep modular containers (such as Rootrainers) to promote the growth of a strong taproot. Once the risk of severe weather has passed, transplant the young seedlings into a deeply trenched, richly prepared garden bed. Nipping out the central growing tip when the plants are just a few inches tall will encourage the development of robust lateral branches. It is vital to maintain a consistent watering schedule so the vines do not dry out and harden, and you must harvest the blossoms regularly. If the plant is permitted to develop seed pods, it will prematurely stop producing new flowers.
Historical Notes
This refined cultivar was bred by Harrod and officially recorded in the sweet pea registers in 2007, making its early appearances in the Cooltonagh catalogues. As a modern Spencer introduction, it was developed to offer the perfect combination of exhibition-quality ruffled petals and reliable garden vigor.
In the Garden
Grown for: Supplying an abundance of elegant, long-stemmed cut flowers for romantic pastel bouquets, and bringing a soft, warm presence to garden borders and obelisks.
Companion Planting: Thanks to its highly adaptable cream-pink base, it serves as a fantastic harmonizer. It pairs exquisitely with deep, moody maroons (like 'Windsor' or 'Chocolate Flake') to create a sophisticated visual contrast, or it can be blended with creamy whites and soft lavenders for a serene, dreamy display.
