Polygala Myrtifolia 'Little Polly'

Dwarf Sweet Pea Shrub / Sweet Pea Shrub 'Little Polly'

Botanical Name: Polygala myrtifolia 'Little Polly'
Family: Polygalaceae
Origin: South Africa
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

A compact, long-flowering dwarf polygala that performs beautifully in Adelaide and South Australian gardens. ‘Little Polly’ forms a neat, rounded mound that fits small spaces and pots, then pumps out purple pea-shaped flowers for much of the year. Heat- and coast-tolerant, it’s a low-fuss option for paths, courtyards and front-of-border colour.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.6–1.0 m H × 0.6–1.0 m W (naturally compact)
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Small mid- to blue-green leaves, fresh lime tints on new growth; can take on soft bronze tones in cool weather
• Flowers: Abundant purple/magenta, pea-like blooms most of the year, peaking spring–autumn
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen structure with months of purple bloom (spring–autumn), plus subtle foliage tints in new growth/cooler weather
• Wildlife Value: Attracts Bees; Attracts Butterflies; Good for Pollinators
• Tolerance: Drought-Tolerant (once established), Heat-Tolerant, Coastal-Tolerant, Wind-Tolerant; Light frost hardy; avoid waterlogging/heavy clay
• Planting Density: Low hedge: 0.5–0.7 m apart. Specimens/massing: 1.0–1.2 m apart
• Pet Friendly: Generally regarded as non-toxic to pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (best flowering in full sun)
• Soil: Well-drained sandy or loam soils; improve heavier soils for drainage
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Light tip-prune after flushes to keep tight and encourage more flowers; mulch in spring; balanced feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 10-20 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA, including coastal Adelaide
• Soil pH: Slightly acid to neutral (tolerates mildly alkaline if drainage is good)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Neat low hedge or pathway edging with near year-round colour
• Coastal mixed border with lomandra, westringia and salvias for a tough, water-wise palette
• Feature pots by entries and sunny courtyards for reliable, compact colour

Why You Will Love It

‘Little Polly’ gives you big colour in a small footprint—months of purple flowers on a tidy, easy-care shrub. It handles South Australian heat and coastal conditions with minimal fuss, making it a set-and-forget star for busy gardens.