Sweet Pea Leamington

Lathyrus odoratus 'Leamington' Spencer Sweet Pea 'Leamington' (RHS AGM)

Large, deeply waved, frilly flowers like crushed silk in a clear rich lavender-lilac colour — Sweet Pea 'Leamington' is the gold standard for lavender Sweet Peas, holding the RHS Award of Garden Merit for its consistent performance, sun-stable colour and exceptionally long straight stems. The traditional cottage variety still favoured by exhibition growers for its excellence on the show bench.

This is the cottage Sweet Pea that defines its colour category. 'Leamington' is a famous Spencer-type variety producing large deeply waved frilly flowers that resemble crushed silk in a clear rich lavender-lilac colour. Unlike many modern show varieties that prioritise size over fragrance, 'Leamington' retains a strong sweet traditional scent while also producing exceptionally long, straight stems often with four blooms per stem — making it ideal for cutting. Because it holds its vibrant lavender colour without fading in sun, it has remained a staple on the competition bench for decades. RHS Award of Garden Merit holder — confirmation of robust, reliable, perfectly British-adapted performance. Vigorous climber reaching up to 2.4m. Hardy annual (H3).

A note on growing

Standard Sweet Pea cultivation as for 'Bishy Barnabee Mix': autumn sow October–November or spring sow January–March; soak seeds 2–4 hours; plant out April–May in full sun in rich fertile soil; provide sturdy support; pick daily.

⚠️ Toxicity warning: seeds toxic if eaten. Keep away from children.

Where it shines

In cottage cutting gardens specifically for the long-stemmed exhibition-quality cut flowers — 'Leamington' produces four-bloom stems that are uncommonly long-lasting and well-formed for arrangements. Against tall trellises and wigwams in cottage borders. As exhibition flowers for show benches and competitive growing. As an essential lavender colour anchor for any cool-toned cottage cutting scheme.

Plant alongside

For a cool-toned cottage combination, pair 'Leamington' with Aquilegia 'Columbine Blue' — the intricate powder-blue and white spurs of Aquilegia flower at the same time as early Sweet Peas, creating a harmonious shimmering lavender-blue display that is quintessential English cottage garden. With Cosmos 'Purity' — the large white saucer-shaped blooms provide a clean fresh contrast that makes the rich lavender of 'Leamington' appear even more vibrant. With Larkspur 'Limelight Mix' for matching cottage palette in vertical and climbing forms.