Sweet pea is known for its fragrance, which smells like a combination of orange and honey. Gardeners love this climber as it is easy to grow and can bear clusters of flowers in various colors, including pink, white, lavender and blue. 

Sweet peas have been cultivated for hundreds of years. It's native to southern Italy and Aegean Islands. Scottish horticulturist Henry Eckford (1823-1905) developed the sweet pea and transformed it into a flora sensation by improving the general performance and the blooming size of the plant.

The flowers bloom in summer and can last for long. The flowers which look like butterflies are also perfect for cut flowers. Gather them in the morning when their scent is the sweetest.

Here are some beautiful photos of this lovely plant.

About 'Plants & Nations' 

"Plants & Nations" is a series of articles and pictures about common beautiful plants around the world. 

For more articles, please click here:

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Purple coneflower: A miracle herb from North America

Wollemi pine trees: A 'living fossil' that is critically endangered

Chinese skullcap: The plant that can treat respiratory infections

Golden-and-silver honeysuckle: A popular plant in Chinese medicine

Akebi: An exotic purple fruit

Spiky, but delicious!

What is the most powerful wand in Harry Potter made of?

What do gooseberries smell like?

An orchid that looks like a flying duck

Winterberry: A vivid and shockingly tough plant

Did you know marshmallows are actually plants?

Heather: The goddess of Scotland

Why is frangipani so common in Laos?

(All photos via VCG)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)