Species
Lathyrus odoratusSweet Pea15 other cultivars
‘Pulsar’Pulsar Sweet Pea
‘Cupani’Cupani Sweet Pea
‘Painted Lady’Painted Lady Sweet Pea
‘Nuance’Nuance Sweet Pea
‘Nimbus’Nimbus Sweet Pea
‘Sugar Magnolia’Sugar Magnolia Sweet Pea
‘Almost Black’Almost Black Sweet Pea
‘Enchante’Enchanted Sweet Pea
‘April in Paris’Sweet Pea 'April in Paris'
‘Black Knight’Sweet Pea 'Black Knight'
‘Blue Vein’Blue Veined Sweet Pea
‘Mrs Collier’Mrs. Collier Sweet Pea
‘Streamers Chocolate’Chocolate Streamers Sweet Pea
‘Wiltshire Ripple’Wiltshire Ripple Sweet Pea
‘Prince of Orange’Prince of Orange Sweet Pea
The Story
Plant Bio
A popular cool-season climbing annual, cherished for its intensely fragrant flowers. It climbs using tendrils and requires support like a trellis or netting.
A Spencer-type sweet pea, 'High Society' is prized for its large, ruffled, and highly fragrant blossoms. Flowers are a blend of pink, rose, and lavender shades on a cream background.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Annual
Height
72 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
Mediterranean region
Toxicity
Seeds are toxic if ingested; other parts may cause mild stomach upset.
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds 1 inch deep in well-drained soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings with water and keep in bright, indirect light for rooting.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Support vines with trellises or fences as they grow.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid feed during the growing season.
- Prune dead or damaged stems in late winter to encourage new growth.
Pro Tip
Soak seeds overnight before planting to improve germination rates.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide a sturdy trellis for climbing.
- Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly.
- Prune to shape and remove dead stems.
- Mulch to retain soil moisture.
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don't plant in heavy, poorly-drained clay soil.
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season.
- Do not let plants dry out completely.
- Avoid using chemical pesticides without organic options.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Pinch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Sweet Pea 'High Society' questions
What zones can Sweet Pea 'High Society' grow in?
Sweet Pea 'High Society' is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Sweet Pea 'High Society' deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Sweet Pea 'High Society', especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Sweet Pea 'High Society' bloom?
Sweet Pea 'High Society' typically blooms in late spring, summer through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Sweet Pea 'High Society' need full sun?
Sweet Pea 'High Society' does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Lathyrus to compare
Pulsar Sweet Pea
Lathyrus odoratus 'Pulsar'
Cupani Sweet Pea
Lathyrus odoratus 'Cupani'
Erewhon Sweet Pea
Lathyrus x belinensis 'Erewhon'
Sweet Pea
Lathyrus odoratus
Painted Lady Sweet Pea
Lathyrus odoratus 'Painted Lady'
Nuance Sweet Pea
Lathyrus odoratus 'Nuance'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Sweet Pea 'High Society' with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.