Sweet Pea 'Southbourne'

At a Glance

Quick Facts

• Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus
• Classification: Spencer
• Petal Pattern: Bicolor / Flush
• Color Profile: Pale pink resting on a crisp white ground
• Fragrance: Moderate
• Breeder: Colledge
• Year Introduced: 1973–1974
• Flowering Type: Summer-Flowering

Overview

'Southbourne' is an elegant and delicate addition to the summer-flowering Spencer class. This beautiful variety features gently ruffled petals that display a soft, pale pink hue resting on a clean white background. With its classic, wavy Spencer form and a lovely moderate fragrance, this cultivar offers a gentle, romantic aesthetic that works perfectly in pastel floral arrangements and mixed garden borders.

Growth Habit

Exhibiting the reliable, robust vigor characteristic of Spencer types, 'Southbourne' grows as a tall, climbing vine. To reach its full potential and display its blooms beautifully, it requires a sturdy vertical support structure, such as tall netting, a garden trellis, or bamboo teepees, allowing the plant to climb enthusiastically throughout the summer season.

Cultivation Notes

For the finest, longest-stemmed blooms, this vine should be planted in a sunny location with deeply dug, enriched, and well-draining soil. Because of its tall climbing nature, stems must be tied in securely on a regular basis to protect the plant from wind damage. Furthermore, it is essential to harvest the flowers consistently and remove any faded blossoms; this prevents the sweet pea from setting seed and ensures an uninterrupted flush of delicate pale pink flowers all summer long.

Historical Notes

This delightful cultivar was bred by Colledge and made its first appearance in the autumn 1972 catalogue of the Unwins seed firm, officially entering commerce around 1973 or 1974. Its enduring appeal later led to a subsequent variation known as 'Salmon Southbourne', which featured a deeper salmon hue and was introduced by Maishman in 1978.

In the Garden

Grown For: Soft pastel cut flower arrangements, gentle garden displays, and adding a delicate romantic touch to the summer border.

Companion Planting

To enhance its soft pink and white tones, pair it with crisp, pure whites like 'Wild Swan'. Alternatively, planting it alongside an intensely dark variety like 'Almost Black' or 'Dark Passion' will create a highly sophisticated and dramatic visual contrast.