Sweet Pea 'Mrs R Bolton'

Quick Facts

• Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus
• Classification: Spencer
• Petal Pattern: Bicolor / Flush
• Color Profile: Rose pink shading over a crisp white ground
• Fragrance: Moderate
• Fragrance: Robert Bolton
• Year Introduced: 1945-1946
• Flowering Type: Summer-Flowering

Overview

'Mrs R Bolton' is a treasured mid-century classic belonging to the summer-flowering Spencer class. This beautiful variety offers large, elegantly ruffled blooms that feature a soft, romantic rose-pink flush resting vividly atop a clean white ground. Possessing the wonderful waved petal structure that exhibition Spencers are famous for, along with a pleasing moderate fragrance, this sweet pea is a highly reliable and elegant choice for both garden borders and cut flower arrangements.

Growth Habit

Exhibiting the typical vigorous growth of the Spencer class, 'Mrs R Bolton' is a robust, tall-climbing vine. To thrive and reach its maximum height, it requires a sturdy vertical support system—such as tall netting, a trellis, or bamboo teepees—to enthusiastically climb throughout the summer season.

Cultivation Notes

To coax the most spectacular, heavily frilled blooms from this vine, plant it in a sunny location with deeply enriched, well-draining soil. Because of its tall climbing habit, the stems should be tied in regularly to ensure the plant remains secure against the wind. Consistent harvesting and the diligent removal of faded blossoms are absolutely essential to prevent the plant from setting seed, ensuring a continuous, uninterrupted flush of rose-pink flowers all summer long.

Historical Notes

This beautiful cultivar is a classic post-war sweet pea, having been officially introduced to the botanical registry in 1945-1946. Showcasing the delicate pastel shading popular during that era, it stands as a wonderful mid-century representative of the ruffled Spencer class.

In the Garden

Grown For: Soft, romantic cut flower arrangements, vintage garden displays, and bringing a delicate rose-pink and white pastel combination to the summer border.

Companion Planting

To enhance its beautiful pink and white tones, pair it with soft, delicate pastel varieties like 'Anniversary' or 'Pink Panther'. Alternatively, planting it alongside a deeply saturated, moody variety like 'Almost Black' or 'Dark Passion' will create a highly sophisticated, dramatic contrast.