About
Lathyrus odoratus 'Phyllis Elizabeth' is a named sweet pea cultivar in the genus Lathyrus and the Fabaceae family. It is grown for its summer flowering, with blooms appearing from June to August. As a named selection, its identity is valuable to collectors and gardeners seeking specific garden varieties. Check plant labels or supplier notes for any cultivar-specific habits before planting.
About the genus
Lathyrus is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family Fabaceae, and contains approximately 160 species. Commonly known as peavines or vetchlings, they are native to temperate areas, with a breakdown of 52 species in Europe, 30 species in North America, 78 in Asia, 24 in tropical East Africa, and 24 in temperate South America. There are annual and perennial species which may be climbing or bushy.
Wikipedia contributors, "Lathyrus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lathyrus
In the garden
Lathyrus odoratus 'Phyllis Elizabeth' sits within the genus Lathyrus (family Fabaceae) and is offered as a distinct garden cultivar. Its primary ornamental interest is seasonal flowering in the summer months; flowering runs from June to August in UK conditions. As a named sweet pea, it should be treated as a discrete selection — performance can differ between cultivars — so refer to the supplier or cultivar description for exact appearance and growth habit. Growing notes for any named sweet pea depend on the particular strain, so confirm requirements with your nursery. Many gardeners plan planting and feeding to encourage the June–August flowering window and select a planting location that suits the cultivar’s eventual size and role. If you are sourcing Lathyrus odoratus 'Phyllis Elizabeth' from a specialist, ask for details on soil preference, support needs and whether the plant is being sold as seed or a young plant. In the UK garden, this cultivar is chosen where a reliable summer display is wanted; its distinct name helps when matching plants to a planting scheme or cutting rotation. For clarity on exact cultivation steps, rely on the supplier’s notes for 'Phyllis Elizabeth' rather than generalised information.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Lathyrus genus
- Lathyrus aureusperennial golden pea
- Lathyrus grandiflorustwo-flowered everlasting pea
- Lathyrus latifoliusbroad-leaved everlasting pea
- Lathyrus latifolius 'Rose Queen'Rose Queen Everlasting Pea
- Lathyrus maritimusSea pea
- Lathyrus rotundifoliusPersian everlasting pea
- Lathyrus latifolius albus or albiflorus or 'White Pearl'White Everlasting Pea
- Lathyrus odoratus var. nanellus 'Lady T Cherub' (Cherub Series)Sweet Pea