Sweet Pea Purple Pimpernell

Lathyrus odoratus 'Purple Pimpernell' Spencer Sweet Pea 'Purple Pimpernell'

Large fragrant flowers in a rich velvety deep purple — Sweet Pea 'Purple Pimpernell' is the cottage variety bringing serious dramatic depth to cottage climbing schemes. Spencer-type breeding produces long sturdy stems for cutting and arranging, while the deep saturated purple holds its colour without fading even in bright British summer sunlight.

This is the dramatic deep-purple Sweet Pea. Large fragrant flowers in a rich velvety shade of deep purple, with petals having a saturated almost-velvety sheen that holds up remarkably well without fading even in bright sunlight. The elegant blooms are borne on long sturdy stems, making them ideal for cutting and adding to floral arrangements. Vigorous climber reaching 2.4m in a single season — excellent for covering trellis, arches, or wire fences with a wall of fragrant purple blooms from June until the first autumn frosts. Hardy annual (H3). Spencer-class breeding for the world-renowned long stems and beautifully ruffled petals that make Spencer types the absolute best choice for home-grown bouquets.

A note on growing

Standard Sweet Pea cultivation (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 immediately; pick daily).

⚠️ Toxicity warning: seeds toxic if eaten.

Where it shines

In cottage cutting gardens specifically for deep cottage drama. As a high-impact vertical anchor against trellis, arches and wire fences. In modern moody cottage colour schemes where the deep purple reads as designer rather than traditional cottage. As a cut flower for sophisticated cottage bouquets and modern wedding work.

Plant alongside

The rich deep tones of 'Purple Pimpernell' are best balanced by airy fillers and contrasting textures: pair with Ammi majus — the delicate frothy white lace provides a magnificent airy background that makes the solid velvety purple Sweet Peas really stand out and glow. With Larkspur 'Giant Imperial Mix' — the towering spikes of Larkspur in blue and pink complement the scrambling habit of Sweet Peas, providing structural depth to a traditional cottage display. With Sweet Pea 'Old Spice Starry Night' for matching purple cottage drama with contrasting fragrance intensity.