- Botanical name: Polygala myrtifolia var. grandiflora
- Common name: Sweet pea bush
- Family: Polygalaceae
- Plant Type: Conservatory, Evergreen
Purple
Green
- Key features:
- Flowers
- Succeeds on poor soil
- Attractive to wildlife
Polygala myrtifolia var. grandiflora is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to South Africa, bearing clusters of beautiful purple flowers that resemble those of sweet peas. This variety has larger, more richly coloured flowers and more tapered, pointed leaves in comparison to the species. In habit, it’s a rounded, bushy shrub that can eventually become a small tree.
It’s tender, so requires winter protection. 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 myrtifolia var. grandiflora in a large container in full sun, in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil.
How to grow Polygala myrtifolia
-
Plant size
100cm height
1.5m spread
-
Aspect
South facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Middle
- Sun exposure: Full sun, dappled shade
- Hardiness: Tender
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy / clay / heavy / moist / chalky / alkaline / acidic
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 not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do not 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 not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does not flower in May |
J
Plant does not 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 not flower in November |
D
Plant does not 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 myrtifolia and wildlife
Polygala myrtifolia 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 myrtifolia poisonous?
Polygala myrtifolia 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 myrtifolia
