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Products > Polygala myrtifolia 'Grandiflora'   Polygala myrtifolia 'Grandiflora' - Sweet Pea Shrub      Habit and Cultural Information Category: Shrub Family: Polygalaceae (Milkworts) Origin: South Africa (Africa) Evergreen: Yes Flower Color: Purple Bloomtime: Year-round Height: 4-6 feet Width: 4-6 feet Exposure: Sun or Shade Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F Polygala myrtifolia 'Grandiflora' (Sweet Pea Shrub) - A dense evergreen shrub that grows 5 to 7 feet tall by an equal spread. The unique rich purple flowers have two winged petals that surround the whitish purple lacy crest. They bloom during most of the year, spring is their peak bloom period. Plant in sun or part shade with regular watering. Polygala myrtifolia is one of the parents of the popular Polygala x dalmaisiana (the other parent is Polygala oppositifolia) from which it differs by being a bigger plant with larger brighter green foliage and larger flowers. The form 'Grandiflora' is reportedly the large flower selection although we have never seen the straight species. The name Polygala is latin for "much milk" because of the belief that cows grazing on milkwort increased their milk production.  The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery and in our own and other Santa Barbara gardens. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information or disagrees with what we have written.