Sweet Pea 'Lilac Romance'

Quick Facts

• Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus
• Classification: Spencer
• Petal Pattern: Solid / Self
• Color Profile: Light lilac
• Fragrance: Moderately Scented
• Breeder: Wells (Introduced by Kerton)
• Year Introduced: 2010
• Flowering Type: Summer

Overview

'Lilac Romance' is an elegant summer-flowering Spencer sweet pea that perfectly lives up to its name by producing soft, romantic light lilac flowers. It is an excellent choice for growers looking to add gentle, cool-toned pastels to their floral designs and garden spaces, offering large, frilly blooms characteristic of the modern Spencer class.

Growth Habit

As a traditional Spencer type, this variety is a tall, vigorous climbing vine that requires a reliable vertical support system, such as a trellis or cordon, to thrive. It produces beautifully ruffled blossoms held on long, sturdy stems that are ideal for cutting.

Cultivation Notes

Because it is a standard summer-flowering variety, 'Lilac Romance' is a "long-day" plant that needs 12 or more hours of daylight to successfully trigger its blooming cycle. To maximize stem length and flower production, it should be planted in rich, deeply prepared soil. Consistent harvesting and the daily deadheading of spent blooms are absolutely essential; if the plant is allowed to form seed pods, it will cease producing new flowers.

Historical Notes

This variety was bred by Wells and officially introduced to the commercial market by Kerton in 2010, though it was first officially documented in the Sweet Pea Annual a few years prior in 2007.

In the Garden

Grown for: Soft, cool-toned cut flowers, adding delicate pastel hues to summer garden displays, and providing elegant, light lilac blooms for romantic vase arrangements.

Companion Planting: Pair this gentle light lilac with deep, moody purples and navy blues like 'Just Jenny' or 'Midnight' for a striking, monochromatic cool-toned display, or blend it with soft pinks and crisp whites for a classic, harmonious pastel bouquet.