Lathyrus odoratus ‘Countess Cadogan’ is an Old Fashioned Sweet Pea cultivar, which produces violet-blue bi-coloured flowers.  This charming sweet pea cultivar was bred by the renowned sweet pea breeder, Henry Eckford; this sweet pea was first introduced in 1899.

I’ve grown the flower you see pictured above, from seeds I’ve purchased as Lathyrus odoratus ‘Countess Cadogan’.  I’ve also grown seeds purchased as Lathyrus odoratus ‘Countess Cadogan’ that have resulted in plants that have produced flowers with a much more marked contrast in the bi-colouring of their blooms.  These sweet pea flowers have a more richly coloured, maroon standard petal that stands out more, from the violet coloured wing petals.  Both are lovely sweet peas.  It’s just a hunch, but I suspect that the flowers with the more marked contrast in their flower colour are a more accurate representation of Lathyrus odoratus ‘Countess Cadogan’.

Lathyrus odoratus ‘Countess Cadogan’ is a hardy annual climber.  This is an ideal choice of plant to grow up a wigwam or obelisk.  Plants grow up to around 1.8-2.5m (6-8ft) tall.  Lathyrus odoratus ‘Countess Cadogan’ produces fragrant flowers.  Remember to site your plants close to a well used path, a patio, or seating area, so you can enjoy your plants’ fragrance, during the summertime.