Sweet Pea Purple Pimpernell
Sweet Pea 'Purple Pimpernell' Seeds
Rich, velvety blooms in a saturated shade of deep purple that shimmering like silk in the sun. This high-climbing Spencer-type climber produces large, fragrant flowers on long sturdy stems, adding a touch of sophisticated colour and intoxicating perfume to garden arches and bouquets alike.
Sweet Pea 'Purple Pimpernell' is a stunning variety of sweet pea that produces large, fragrant flowers in a rich, velvety shade of deep purple. These elegant blooms are borne on long, sturdy stems, making them ideal for cutting and adding to floral arrangements. With its captivating colour and delightful scent, 'Purple Pimpernell' is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of sophistication to their borders and trellis displays.
This hardy annual is relatively easy to grow from seed. To achieve the best results, sow seeds indoors in late winter or early spring, or directly into the garden in mid-spring after the danger of frost has passed. Sweet peas thrive in a sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil and benefit from regular watering and feeding. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage a continuous display of blooms throughout the summer months.
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🌿 Understanding the Plant
Lathyrus odoratus 'Purple Pimpernell' is a Hardy Annual (H3). It is part of the esteemed 'Spencer' class of sweet peas, which are world-renowned for their long stems and beautifully ruffled petals—traits that make them the absolute best choice for home-grown bouquets.
Velvet Intensity: This variety is specifically selected for the depth of its purple hue. The petals have a saturated, almost velvety sheen that holds up remarkably well without fading, even in the bright sunlight of a British summer. Its fragrance is sweet, floral, and traditional.
Vigorous Climber: 'Purple Pimpernell' is a high-climbing variety that can reach up to 2.4m in a single season. It is an excellent choice for covering trellis, arches, or wire fences, providing a wall of fragrant purple blooms from June until the first autumn frosts.
🌱 Growing Guide
Sweet peas are famously rewarding, but they are "hungry" plants that require a little preparation to reach their full potential.
How to Sow:
Autumn Sowing (Best): Sow in October or November in deep pots or root trainers to accommodate their long taproots. Overwinter in a cold frame for the strongest plants. Spring Sowing: Sow indoors from January to March. Sow seeds 1cm deep in moist compost; keep cool (approx 15°C) as excessive heat can actually inhibit germination. Germination typically takes 10-21 days.
Where to Plant:
Plant out in late March or April once the soil is workable. They demand full sun and a sheltered spot with sturdy support—think bamboo wigwams, trellis, or netting. Dig in well-rotted manure or compost before planting to provide the nutrients they crave.
Ongoing Care:
The Pinch: When the plants reach 10cm, pinch out the top growing tip to encourage side-shoots. The Golden Rule: Harvest flowers regularly and remove all seed pods immediately. If the plant is allowed to set seed, it will stop producing flowers. Feed weekly with high-potash fertiliser (tomato feed) once buds appear.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Botanical Name | Lathyrus odoratus 'Purple Pimpernell' |
| Common Name | Velvet Purple Sweet Pea |
| Plant Type | Hardy Annual Climber |
| Hardiness | H3 (Hardy Annual) |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun ☀️ |
| Height | 1.8m - 2.4m (Climber) |
| Spread | 30cm |
| Spacing | Plant 20cm - 30cm apart |
| Flowering Period | June to September |
| Perfect For | 💐 Scented Bouquets 👃 Sensory Gardens 🏗️ Garden Arches & Obelisks ✂️ Cut-and-come-again |
| Seeds per Packet | Approximately 20 seeds |
🤝 Beautiful Garden Combinations
The rich, deep tones of 'Purple Pimpernell' are best balanced by airy fillers and contrasting textures from our website :
- ❄️ Ammi Majus (Bishop's Flower): The Monochrome Mist. The delicate, frothy white lace of Ammi Majus provides a magnificent airy background that makes the solid, velvety purple of the Sweet Peas really stand out and glow.
- 🏰 Larkspur 'Giant Imperial Mix': The Vertical Duo. The towering spikes of Larkspur in shades of blue and pink complement the scrambling habit of the Sweet Peas, providing structural depth to a traditional cottage garden display.
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar
Sow in autumn for early flowers, or spring for summer-long blooms.
⚠️ Safety Note
Sweet Pea seeds look very similar to edible garden peas, but they are mildly toxic if eaten. Please keep them out of reach of children and pets.
🏆 Royal Performance
Sweet Pea 'Purple Pimpernell' is a high-performance variety perfectly suited to the British climate. Its ability to produce massive, fragrant flowers on stems ideal for cutting ensures that your cottage garden and your vases will be filled with sophisticated colour all summer long.
📖 Want more detailed growing advice?
View our Complete Growing Guide for Sweet Peas →
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