Mariposa Sweet Pea Shrub | Purple Pink Pea Like Blooms

Mariposa Sweet Pea Shrub

5 Gallon

$59.90

$59.90 $0.00

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Mariposa Sweet Pea Shrub

Polygala myrtifolia 'Mariposa'

A fast-growing, drought-tolerant ground cover with a long season of vibrant magenta-pink, sweet pea-like flowers.

$59.90

$59.90 $0.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The Mariposa Sweet Pea Shrub is a charming, dwarf evergreen shrub prized for its long season of bright, sweet pea-like flowers and its compact, spreading habit. A selected cultivar of the popular Polygala myrtifolia, this "Mariposa" (butterfly in Spanish) is a lower-growing, more compact form, making it ideal for smaller gardens and containers . Throughout spring, summer, and into fall, it produces a profusion of small, pea-like flowers in a vibrant magenta-pink to purple, each with a distinctive crested keel . The small, rounded, myrtle-like, bright green leaves are evergreen and provide a lush, fine-textured backdrop for the nearly continuous blooms. A fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance plant, it is an excellent choice for sunny borders, mass plantings, slopes, and as a colorful, cascading ground cover.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Small, rounded, ovate to elliptic, bright green leaves (to 1 inch long) resembling myrtle; clusters of small, pea-like flowers (to 1 inch) in vibrant magenta-pink to purple with a crested keel, blooming from spring through fall .
Mature Height: 1-2 ft (30-60 cm)
Mature Spread: 3-5 ft (0.9-1.5 m)
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zones: USDA 9-10 ; Sunset 8, 9, 12-24
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade (best flowering in sun)
Core Benefits: Very long flowering season, bright magenta-pink sweet pea flowers, compact spreading habit, drought tolerant, deer resistant, low maintenance.
Best Uses: Ground cover, mass plantings, slope stabilization, cascading over walls, border edging, rock gardens, containers, coastal gardens.

Q: How large does Mariposa Sweet Pea Shrub get?
A: It has a compact, spreading habit, typically reaching 1-2 feet in height and 3-5 feet in width . Its low, spreading nature makes it an excellent ground cover or cascading plant.

Q: How much sun does it need for the best flowering?
A: For the most abundant flower display, plant 'Mariposa' in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). It will tolerate partial shade, but flowering will be reduced, and the plant may become more open and leggy.

Q: How much water does it need?
A: Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant . Water regularly during its first year to establish a deep root system. After that, it requires little to no supplemental water, even in hot, dry climates. Overwatering should be avoided.

Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, this plant is generally resistant to deer browsing . This makes it an excellent choice for gardens where deer pressure is a concern.

Q: How do I care for it?
A: Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first year. After establishment, water only during extended dry periods. No deadheading is needed. To keep it tidy and encourage dense growth, you can give it a light shearing after the main flush of flowers in mid-summer . It is generally pest and disease-free.

Q: Can it be grown in a container?
A: Yes, it can be grown in a container . Its spreading, cascading habit makes it an excellent "spiller" in a large container or hanging basket. Use a pot with good drainage and a well-draining potting mix. Container plants will need more frequent watering than those in the ground.

Q: Is it cold hardy?
A: It is reliably hardy in USDA zones 9-10 . It is damaged by frost and should be protected or grown in a container in colder zones (USDA 8 and below) and overwintered indoors in a bright, cool location .