Cupani Sweet Pea

The California Poppy Mixed Colors, 'Eschscholzia californica', produces a stunning mix of white, yellow, orange, deep orange, scarlet-red, and purple poppies. The California Poppy Mixed Colors is a perennial that is usually grown as an annual. In zones 7-11, though, the foliage often overwinters. The silky, saucer shaped 2 to 3 inch flowers have 4 delicate paper-like petals. The Poppy can be used as a cut flower, wildflower plantings, and for soil erosion control.

The Vanilla Ice sunflower, 'Helianthus debilis', produces florist quality cut flowers and is an excellent border plant. The off-white flowers are between 5 and 8 inches wide. The plant is multi-flowered. Vanilla Ice sunflowers are drought tolerant but will take considerable moisture for full flowering. This plant will grow on almost any soil.

The Sweet Pea Cupani, 'Lathyrus odoratus', is a very old heirloom sweet pea traced back to 1699. Father Franciscus Cupani sent it to England during the late 1600's. The Cupani displays 2 inch flowers that are purple and deep blue bicolor. This sweet pea is also very fragrant. The sweet peas bloom in the spring and the duration of blooming depends on the weather. The plants stop blooming once the weather warms up. They are used for cut flowers, ground cover, and wall coverings if given the proper support.

The Sweet Pea Miss Willmott, 'Lathyrus odoratus', is a very old sweet pea traced back to 1901 and is named after the famous garden writer, Miss Willmott. Miss Willmott's deep orange-pink color will add delight to any garden. It is a summer bloomer and in areas without long, cool springs, this excellent variety will continue to bloom as the temperatures begin to increase. The Miss Willmott Sweet Pea displays 2 inches blooms that are a deep orange-pink. In warm climates, plant in October through January for spring bloom.