Sweet Pea shrub

Habit and Cultural Information
Category: Shrub
Family: Polygalaceae (Milkworts)
Origin: South Africa (Africa)
Evergreen: Yes
Flower Color: Purple
Bloomtime: Year-round
Synonyms: [P. myrtifolia var. dalmaisiana]
Parentage: (P. oppositifolia x P. myrtifolia)
Height: 3-5 feet
Width: 4-6 feet
Exposure: Sun or Shade
Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs
Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F

PPolygala x dalmaisiana (Sweet Pea Shrub) - Thought to be a cross between Polygala oppositifolia and P. myrtifolia, this attractive fast growing shrub typically grows 3-5 feet tall with narrow 1 inch long dull green leaves and flowers that are a purplish pink with two winged petals that surround the whitish purple lacy crest. In coastal climates this plant can be in bloom throughout the year. The flower color combination is not easy to combine with but can be used effectively with blue and white flowering plants. Plant in full sun or part shade with regular to little irrigation. Documented elsewhere as hardy to at least 24°F but we had plants survive our December 1990 freeze, sustaining temperatures throughout the night below freezing and several hours down to 18°F. It also tolerates a wide range of soil types but not heavy wet soil. The trunk and lower stems are often bare so trim or shear to keep compact. Not a particularly long lived plant but useful for its fast growth and continual flowering and its cut stems of flowers are great and last well in arrangements. The name Polygala is Latin from the Greek word polugalon for "much milk" because of the belief that cows grazing on milkwort increased their milk production. The hybrid name "x dalmaiana" dates back to a description in the "Revue Horticole" from 1844 and is often misinterpreted as a misspelling of "dalmatiana" as a geographical reference to Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, but is actually named for Mr. Dalmais, the French gardener who raised it from seed in 1839. This description is based on our research of Polygala x dalmaisiana and our observations of it growing in the nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens. We would appreciate getting feedback from anyone who has any additional information about this plant, even if they disagree with what we have written.