- Botanical name: Polygala fruticosa 'Africana'
- Common name: Sweet pea bush
- Family: Polygalaceae
- Plant Type: Shrub, Evergreen
Purple
Green
- Key features:
- Attractive to wildlife
- Flowers
Polygala fruticosa ‘Africana’ is a compact, evergreen shrub native to South Africa, bearing clusters of beautiful purple flowers that resemble those of sweet peas. This variety has richly coloured purple flowers and is said to flower constantly throughout the year. Its compact habit means Polygala fruticosa ‘Africana’ makes a fantastic container plant.
It’s hardy to -6ºC, so may require winter protection in colder areas. Try growing it in a large pot or container that can be moved outdoors in summer, then indoors to a bright conservatory or greenhouse in winter.
For best results, grow Polygala fruticosa ‘Africana’ in a large container in full sun, in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil.
How to grow Polygala 'Africana'
-
Plant size
100cm height
100cm spread
-
Aspect
South facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Middle
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Hardiness: Frost hardy
- Soil type: Acidic / chalky / alkaline / clay / heavy / moist / well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do Plant in June |
J
Do Plant in July |
A
Do Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do not Plant in October |
N
Do not Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does flower in January |
F
Plant does flower in February |
M
Plant does flower in March |
A
Plant does flower in April |
M
Plant does flower in May |
J
Plant does flower in June |
J
Plant does flower in July |
A
Plant does flower in August |
S
Plant does flower in September |
O
Plant does flower in October |
N
Plant does flower in November |
D
Plant does flower in December |
| Take cuttings | ||||||||||||
| Take cuttings |
J
Do not Take cuttings in January |
F
Do not Take cuttings in February |
M
Do Take cuttings in March |
A
Do Take cuttings in April |
M
Do Take cuttings in May |
J
Do not Take cuttings in June |
J
Do not Take cuttings in July |
A
Do not Take cuttings in August |
S
Do not Take cuttings in September |
O
Do not Take cuttings in October |
N
Do not Take cuttings in November |
D
Do not Take cuttings in December |
Polygala 'Africana' and wildlife
Polygala 'Africana' is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
Attractive to Bees
Does not attract Beneficial insects
Does not attract Birds
Does not attract Butterflies/Moths
Does not attract Other pollinators
Is Polygala 'Africana' poisonous?
Polygala 'Africana' has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
Plants that go well with Polygala 'Africana'
