Mariposa Sweet Pea Shrub

Mariposa Sweet Pea Shrub

5 Gallon
$59.90
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Mariposa Sweet Pea Shrub
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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
Container sizeSize guide 5 Gallon

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Description

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.

Quick Facts

  • 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.

Faqs

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 .

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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5 Gallon

5 Gallon

A popular size for shrubs, screening plants and young trees. Large enough to make an immediate difference in the garden while still manageable for most residential projects.

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Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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