{"product_id":"sweet-pea-blue-shift","title":"Sweet Pea 'Blue Shift'","description":"\u003ch3\u003eQuick Facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eLathyrus x hammettii\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClassification:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spencer \/ Shifter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePetal Pattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e Solid transitioning color (Shifter)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor Profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e Opens cerise or pinkish-mauve, transitioning through violet into a bright cobalt blue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFragrance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mild to moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreeder:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dr. Keith Hammett\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYear Introduced:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2012\/2013\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Summer-flowering (Long-day)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntroduced to the floral world by New Zealand’s legendary plant breeder Dr. Keith Hammett, 'Blue Shift' represents a truly innovative breakthrough in sweet pea genetics. Earning the new classification of a \"shifter,\" this extraordinary flower does not simply fade as it ages; instead, it dynamically transforms its coloration. The large, beautifully pleated blossoms open in shades of cerise or pinkish-mauve, and gradually transition through deep violet until they reach a striking cobalt blue finish. This captivating, multi-toned effect makes it an exceptional, statement-making choice for dramatic floral arrangements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBotanically classified within the \u003cem\u003eLathyrus x hammettii\u003c\/em\u003e group, this energetic Spencer-type vine exhibits a tall, highly vigorous climbing nature that will produce long, rampant growth throughout the season. It requires substantial vertical support to accommodate its height. As a classic summer-flowering variety, it depends heavily on the extended daylight hours of the season—typically twelve hours or more—to successfully trigger its prolific blooming phase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCultivation Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo promote the deepest and healthiest root systems, it is highly recommended to start seeds in tall, narrow pots rather than shallow seed flats. Once the young seedlings reach approximately four to six inches in height, carefully pinch out the central growing tip. This crucial pruning step forces the plant to send out robust lateral branches from its base, ultimately creating a much sturdier and higher-yielding vine. Because sweet pea seeds are toxic if consumed, always exercise caution when planting around children and animals. Because planting schedules depend entirely on your specific climate, remember to utilize our Custom Zip-Code Planting Tool to determine the absolute best week to sow your seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistorical Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe creation of 'Blue Shift' (which has also been historically associated with the synonym 'Still Waters') emerged from Dr. Hammett's ambitious, long-term quest to breed a true yellow sweet pea. By successfully crossing the traditional \u003cem\u003eLathyrus odoratus\u003c\/em\u003e with the wild \u003cem\u003eLathyrus belinensis\u003c\/em\u003e, he created an entirely new class of sweet peas. While the yellow hue remained elusive, this specific cross successfully unlocked a novel genetic trait allowing the flower petals to shift colors over time, leading to the botanical designation \u003cem\u003eLathyrus x hammettii\u003c\/em\u003e in honor of his groundbreaking work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIn the Garden\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Blue Shift’ is frequently grown for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding dynamic, color-changing visual interest to tall garden walls and trellises\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProviding spectacular, multi-toned focal points in dramatic floral work\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupplying large, pleated Spencer-type blooms on long stems for cutting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompanion Planting Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo emphasize its breathtaking cerise-to-blue transition, pair this cultivar with crisp white or dark, moody purple sweet peas. In mixed floral designs, its shifting blue tones harmonize beautifully with airy, structural fillers like the architectural spheres of the blue globe thistle (\u003cem\u003eEchinops bannaticus\u003c\/em\u003e) or the delicate, lacy heads of wild carrot (\u003cem\u003eDaucus carota\u003c\/em\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sweet Pea Gardens LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50710748496109,"sku":"pvw1789783720587","price":3.81,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0815\/2832\/4333\/files\/sweet-pea-blue-shift_1.jpg?v=1789783725","url":"https:\/\/coraltonefit.shop\/products\/sweet-pea-blue-shift","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}