The Most Scented Sweet Pea Varieties

A Guide for Garden Lovers

11/11/20244 min read

1. Royal Series

The Royal Series is a popular choice for gardeners who want color and fragrance in abundance. These blooms come in a range of vibrant shades, from deep purples and blues to soft pastels, all of which have a captivating, rich scent. This series is also known for its heat tolerance, making it ideal for warmer climates. With sturdy stems and large blossoms, Royal Series sweet peas are perfect for cutting gardens or mixed borders.

Key Features:

Range of vivid colors
Great heat tolerance
Strong fragrance and large flowers

2. High Scent

As the name suggests, the High Scent variety is prized for its intense fragrance. This sweet pea has a classic look with soft, creamy white petals that are delicately edged in lavender, adding elegance to any garden setting. High Scent is also long-lasting as a cut flower, keeping your home filled with its sweet aroma.

Key Features:

Unmistakably intense fragrance
Delicate white and lavender color scheme
Excellent for cut flower arrangements

3. Matucana

Matucana sweet peas are one of the oldest varieties and remain a favorite due to their enchanting fragrance. This heirloom variety is noted for its deep purple and magenta petals, adding a striking contrast in the garden. The scent is strong and nostalgic, reminiscent of the traditional sweet pea fragrance that many associate with childhood gardens.

Key Features:

Rich magenta and purple colors
Heirloom variety with classic fragrance
Exceptional scent, often compared to the most fragrant varieties

4. Elegance Series

The Elegance Series is an early-flowering sweet pea known for its robust growth and hardiness. Although it might not be as intensely fragrant as other varieties, it still carries a lovely light scent that complements its beautiful color palette, ranging from whites and pinks to reds and blues. This series is ideal for gardeners looking to extend their blooming season, as it often flowers early.

Key Features:

Light fragrance with early flowering
Wide color range
Strong, vigorous growth

5. Bijou Mix

Bijou Mix is a dwarf sweet pea variety, making it perfect for containers, hanging baskets, and small garden spaces. Despite its compact size, the Bijou Mix packs a pleasant fragrance and a variety of colors, from deep reds to pinks and whites. This mix is perfect for gardeners who want a fragrant addition without needing a trellis or support.

Key Features:

Dwarf size, ideal for containers
Lovely fragrance with vibrant colors
Easy to grow and manage in small spaces

6. Streamers Mix

Streamers Mix stands out with its unique striped petals, giving each bloom an eye-catching appearance. While this variety might not be the most fragrant, it does have a mild, pleasing scent that complements its striking colors. The mix includes shades of purple, pink, and blue, with stripes that add a touch of whimsy to the garden.

Key Features:

Unique striped petals for a distinct look
Mild fragrance
Eye-catching mix of colors

7. Incense Mix

The Incense Mix is known for its sweet fragrance, which is especially intense in the early morning and late evening. This mix features large blooms in a variety of colors and is a great choice for anyone seeking highly aromatic flowers. The Incense Mix can grow to impressive heights, making it perfect for trellises and garden fences.

Key Features:

Strong, enchanting fragrance
Large flowers with a variety of colors
Ideal for vertical growth

Growing Tips for Scented Sweet Peas

Sunlight: Sweet peas thrive in full sun, so plant them in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil: They prefer rich, well-drained soil. Add compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Support: For climbing varieties like the Royal Series or Incense Mix, provide sturdy supports such as trellises or garden fences.
Deadheading: Remove faded blooms regularly to encourage more flowers and prolong the blooming season.

These scented sweet pea varieties each offer something unique, whether it's fragrance, color, or growth habit. By choosing a combination of these varieties, you can enjoy the timeless beauty and scent of sweet peas all season long. Whether you have a sprawling garden or a small balcony, there's a sweet pea variety here that’s perfect for your space.