Also known as Butterfly-Bush · Myrtle-Leaf Milkwort · Myrtleleaf Milkwort
Sweet Pea Shrub (Polygala myrtifolia) is an evergreen shrub native to South Africa, known for its pea-like purple flowers and long blooming period.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for best flowering.
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
50% intensity
Avoid overwatering; reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate to warm
75% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-25°C; protect from frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
During growing season
50% intensity
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. In warmer months, check the soil moisture more frequently.
Reduce watering during winter dormancy to prevent waterlogged conditions.
Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth, ideally after flowering has finished. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Light pruning can be done throughout the year to control size, but avoid heavy pruning in late autumn.
Easily propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn. Root cuttings in a well-draining potting mix, keeping them in a warm, humid environment. Alternatively, seeds can be sown in spring.
Repot young plants annually or every two years, and mature plants every few years, preferably in spring. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one with good drainage holes.
Use a well-draining potting compost.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Sweet Pea Shrub (Polygala myrtifolia)
Where Sweet Pea Shrub (Polygala myrtifolia) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Polygalaceae |
| Genus | Polygala |
| Species | Polygala myrtifolia |
Similar in genus Polygala
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
