A fast, hardy shrub almost permanently dotted with purple-pink pea-shaped flowers brushed with a fringed keel. Excellent in dry coastal gardens, though it can self-seed and naturalise.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 2 m H × 1.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Sweet Pea Bush
Botanically, Polygala myrtifolia is a fast-growing shrub in the Polygalaceae family. It reaches around 2 m tall and 1.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Purple and pink flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Sweet Pea Bush
Sweet Pea Bush suits warm-temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds and is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Sweet Pea Bush does best in free-draining, sandy and poor soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 90 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Sweet Pea Bush is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Sweet Pea Bush after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Sweet Pea Bush in the garden
Sweet Pea Bush earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, a feature or specimen planting and feeding bees and pollinators.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Sweet Pea Bush with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.
Buying Sweet Pea Bush
Plant Sale lists Sweet Pea Bush as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.