Sweet peas are old-fashioned flowers which bring to mind the elegance of gardens from times long past. Thinking of them might remind you of long fragrant walks in your grandmother's garden. If you never had that pleasure, sweet peas still speak of tradition, with their very elegant, dainty petals and their heavenly scent. Tiny blossoms which look like butterflies grace the vines of this climbing plant. Spiraling tendrils and delicate feathery foliage create a soft background for this breathtaking charmer. The name 'sweet' pea comes not from the flavor of the peas produced (which are poisonous), but instead comes from the luscious perfume emitted by these glorious flowers.
The history of the sweet pea is actually one which is well documented, from its origins to cultivation, to its rise in popularity. The plant is a member of the Family Fabaceae, also called Leguminosae, which is a family of legumes. Sweet peas belong to the genus Lathyrus, and are originally from the eastern Mediterranean region. The sweet pea, known as the species Lathyrus Odoratus, has been cultivated since the 1600's but was not extremely poplar until much later. While they had been growing in the wild, and there were some cultivars, it wasn't until 1870 that the fame of the sweet pea took off. At this time a horticulturalist named Henry Eckard created a cultivar of the sweet pea he named "Bronze Prince". The sweet pea quickly became the 'must have' flower for the Victorian gardener. Its sensibilities were everything desirable; it was refined, elegant, fancy and delightful. In his lifetime, Henry Eckard went on to create 115 out the 264 cultivars which existed at that time, and to propel the sweet pea into the limelight.
The sweet pea is one species among many legumes. Most of its relatives are edible; in fact many are grown for that purpose alone. Sweet peas, however, are only grown to please the eyes and nose. They are poisonous if eaten, including both the seeds and flowers. The flowers are usually light purple, but cultivars have been produced in a range of whites, pinks, and other shades of purple. These lovely blooms are not only grown today for gardens, but are also quite popular for arrangements. Because of their delicate, fairyland appearance, sweet peas are often chosen to accent wedding bouquets, as well as for other purposes. The sweet pea has only enjoyed its popularity for less than two hundred years, but it will surely remain admired for generations to come.