Quick Facts
- Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus
- Classification: Spencer
- Petal Pattern: Solid / Self
- Color Profile: Vibrant coral-pink to soft orange-pink
- Fragrance: Moderately Scented (Classic Spencer citrus-like profile)
- Breeder: Harrod / Kerton
- Year Introduced: 2001
- Flowering Type: Summer-flowering (requires approximately 12 hours of daylight to initiate blooms)
Overview
'Valerie Harrod' is a radiant modern Spencer sweet pea celebrated for its striking, warm coral-pink blossoms. Because it reliably produces exceptionally long, sturdy stems, it has become a go-to choice for floral designers and home gardeners seeking a bright, adaptable pop of color. Its versatile shade allows it to blend seamlessly into a wide variety of bouquet combinations while holding its own as a brilliant standalone cut flower.
Growth Habit
Showcasing the energetic climbing characteristics expected of a summer-flowering Spencer, 'Valerie Harrod' is a robust vine that demands a tall, sturdy vertical support system. Providing a framework such as netting, a tall trellis, or a bamboo teepee will allow the plant to stretch upward naturally and support the heavy production of its long-stemmed blooms.
Cultivation Notes
To give the plants the best possible start, sow the seeds in deep modular trays (like Rootrainers) to encourage the development of a healthy, downward-reaching taproot. After the risk of frost has passed, transplant the young seedlings into a deeply trenched, well-nourished garden bed. Pinching out the central growing tip when the young vines are a few inches tall will stimulate strong lateral branching. It is critical to maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the warm months to prevent the vines from hardening, and the blossoms must be harvested incessantly. If the plant is allowed to go to seed, it will prematurely shut down the production of new flowers.
Historical Notes
This luminous cultivar was bred by Harrod and officially introduced to the commercial market by Kerton in 2001. It stands as an excellent example of early 21st-century Spencer breeding, successfully combining a highly sought-after warm color break with the reliable stem length required by today's cut-flower growers.
In the Garden
Grown for: Supplying brilliant, long-stemmed coral-pink cut flowers for versatile floral arrangements, and adding a warm, vibrant presence to summer garden borders.
Companion Planting: Its highly adaptable coral-orange tone makes it a perfect partner for a multitude of shades. It pairs beautifully with rich dark maroons or purples (like 'Windsor' or 'Midnight') for a striking, dramatic contrast, or it can be blended with creamy whites and soft lavenders for a bright, romantic display.
