Sweet Pea Shrub
Polygala x dalmaisiana
Pickup available at Aiken Nursery
Usually ready in 2-4 days
Polygala x dalmaisiana, the sweet pea shrub, is a fast-growing evergreen hybrid of two South African species (P. oppositifolia and P. myrtifolia), grown for a nearly year-round show of orchid-like flowers on an open, informal frame.
The flowers are the whole point: a rich purplish pink, each carried on two winged, petal-like sepals that surround a fringed white-to-purple crest, so the bloom reads like a tiny sweet pea or a small orchid. In mild climates the shrub flowers almost continuously, peaking in spring and summer, and the nectar draws bees and butterflies.
The foliage is dull to deep green, an inch or two long, on a loose, open, rounded shrub of three to five feet. The evergreen frame makes a quiet backdrop for the constant flowers, and the plant takes well to a container or the front of a sunny border.
Long grown in California but still little known in the southeastern United States, the sweet pea shrub is well worth trying in the milder areas. Give full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, water to establish and then only moderately, and shear lightly after the main flush or cut back harder in late winter to keep the plant full. Shelter from hard frost at the cold edge of the range.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 8–10
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained
- Mature size
- Height 3–5 Feet · Spread 2–3 Feet
- Growth rate
- Moderate
Purplish-pink pea-like flowers with a white crest, most of the year
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.