Species
Lathyrus odoratusSweet Pea15 other cultivars
‘Pulsar’Pulsar Sweet Pea
‘Cupani’Cupani Sweet Pea
‘Painted Lady’Painted Lady Sweet Pea
‘High Society’Sweet Pea 'High Society'
‘Nuance’Nuance Sweet Pea
‘Nimbus’Nimbus 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
Sugar Magnolia is known for its stunning pink and purple sweet pea-like flowers that are very fragrant.
This cultivar is unique for its enhanced color variety and pronounced fragrance compared to other Lathyrus odoratus varieties.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
60 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average to high
Lifespan
Perennial (often grown as annual)
Native To
Mediterranean region
Toxicity
Toxic to pets if ingested
Bloom period
Mid-spring – Late spring
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings with water to encourage root growth, keep moist.
- Provide support with trellises or fences for climbing habit.
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells, for optimal growth.
- Fertilize monthly with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
- Prune after flowering to promote bushy growth and remove dead stems.
Pro Tip
Plant in a sunny location with rich, well-draining soil for best blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Provide sturdy supports for climbing vines
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Apply organic compost annually for healthy growth
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Do not fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers during flowering
- Keep plants in full sun, avoid shady spots
- Refrain from pruning in late fall to protect from winter damage
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Sugar Magnolia Sweet Pea questions
What zones can Sugar Magnolia Sweet Pea grow in?
Sugar Magnolia Sweet Pea is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Sugar Magnolia Sweet Pea deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Sugar Magnolia Sweet Pea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Sugar Magnolia Sweet Pea bloom?
Sugar Magnolia Sweet Pea typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Sugar Magnolia Sweet Pea need full sun?
Sugar Magnolia Sweet Pea 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'
Painted Lady Sweet Pea
Lathyrus odoratus 'Painted Lady'
Sweet Pea
Lathyrus odoratus
Sweet Pea 'High Society'
Lathyrus odoratus 'High Society'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Sugar Magnolia Sweet Pea 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.