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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 90 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Sweet Pea Bush handles dry conditions well once established. A light spring feed is usually enough to maintain steady growth. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
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. Once established, 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 easier irrigation and care, group Sweet Pea Bush with species that also favour dry conditions once established and warm-temperate climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out.
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. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
