Sweet Pea 'Matucana'

'Matucana' is widely regarded as one of the most fragrant sweet peas available to UK gardeners. It is an old variety, dating back centuries, featuring smaller but much more intensely scented bicolour blooms of deep maroon and violet-purple. It is a vigorous climber, reaching up to 1.8m, and requires a sturdy support such as a wigwam of hazel poles or a trellis. In the UK, sweet peas are traditionally sown in October or March to ensure strong root development. They require a rich, moisture-retentive soil, so the addition of well-rotted manure before planting is highly beneficial. Regular picking of the flowers is essential; the more you cut them for the vase, the more the plant will produce. This variety is H2/H3 hardy, typically treated as a hardy annual. It is a staple of the English cottage garden and a must-have for any cutting garden focused on fragrance.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Rich, fertile, moisture-retentive soil.

Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.