Quick Facts
- Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus
- Classification: Spencer (Early / Winter-Flowering)
- Petal Pattern: Solid / Flush
- Color Profile: Rose pink on a white ground
- Fragrance: Lightly Scented
- Breeder: David Lemon
- Year Introduced: 2008
- Flowering Type: Winter / Early Spring
Overview
'Solstice Rose Pink' is a highly valuable early-flowering Spencer sweet pea that produces lovely rose pink blooms on a crisp white ground. As a prominent member of the Solstice series, it is celebrated for being exceptionally fast-growing and extra-early to bloom, making it a perfect choice for extending the sweet pea season in cool climates or achieving early cuts.
Growth Habit
This variety is a vigorous climbing vine that, like all Spencers, requires sturdy vertical support to climb. Because it is an extra-early, fast-growing type, it will rush to produce its ruffled blooms much quicker than standard summer varieties.
Cultivation Notes
As a winter-flowering variety, 'Solstice Rose Pink' is a "short-day" plant that requires only 10 hours of daylight to trigger its blooming cycle. The Solstice series is often classified as "day-neutral" due to its readiness to flower in low light. This makes it an ideal candidate for autumn sowing to produce winter blooms in mild climates or for early forcing under glass in colder regions. To maximize production and prevent the plant from going to seed, the flowers must be harvested regularly.
Historical Notes
This variety was bred by David Lemon and officially introduced in 2008. The Solstice series was specifically developed to meet the commercial and home-gardening demand for reliable, day-neutral, early-flowering sweet peas that could perform well under short winter daylight hours.
In the Garden
Grown for: Exceptionally early cut flower production, winter greenhouse forcing, and providing fast-growing spring color well before summer Spencers begin to bud.
Companion Planting: Pair this early rose-pink with other fast-growing Solstice varieties like 'Solstice Lavender' or 'Solstice Mid Blue' for a complete early-season bouquet, and combine with early spring bulbs and textural foliage for elegant, out-of-season vase arrangements.
