Photo of Lathyrus odoratus 'Frances Kate' flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved.

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Lathyrus odoratus 'Frances Kate'

Also Known As

  • Frances Kate Sweet Pea

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

  • H: 3'-5'
  • W: 1'-5'

planting zones

  • 1-12

More Options

Lathyrus odoratus 'Frances Kate' plant details

Lathyrus odoratus 'Frances Kate' is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial with green foliage. In spring blue flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Lathyrus odoratus 'Frances Kate'

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT - 5 FT - wide, 3 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Lathyrus odoratus 'Frances Kate'

USDA Zones: 1 - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: seaside / salt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This new true blue Lathyrus is so darned beautiful it deserves a place in everyone’s garden! Large 2.5-3” frilly blooms with swaths of gorgeous navy blue on a white ground are picotee edged with an even deeper blue, held out on long perfect-for-cutting stems for an entire season. With support for it to climb they can reach 5’ or taller and about 2.5’ wide when planted in rich, composted, well-draining soil with average water. For the healthiest blooms, plant directly in the ground or a large wine barrel sized container with the roots in a wee bit of shade, but where the foliage will grow up into a sun filled spot. Harvest your flowers frequently to keep those wonderfully scented blooms coming over the longest period. In the meantime enjoy all the butterflies who love your pretty, sweet peas as much as you will! In coastal areas fall planting will bring the earliest spring blooms!

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Lathyrus odoratus 'Frances Kate' plant

How to Grow Lathyrus odoratus 'Frances Kate'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • seaside / salt tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • blue
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

Landscape groups by tags

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Plant Type

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Zones

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Size

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Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
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Plant Type

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Zones

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Size

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Width: 1'-2'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
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Plant Type

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Zones

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Size

Height: 6"-12"

Width: 6"-12"

  • sun - mostly sun
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Plant Type

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Zones

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Size

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Photo of Lathyrus odoratus 'Black Knight' flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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aka Lord Nelson Old Spice Sweet Pea

Plant Type

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Zones

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Size

Height: 4'-6'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Lathyrus odoratus 'Lord Nelson' flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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