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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Polygalaceae (Milkworts) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Purple |
| Bloomtime: Year-round |
| Synonyms: [P. oppositifolia, 'Mariposa'] |
| Height: 2-3 feet |
| Width: 2-3 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Irrigation: Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F |
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Polygala fruticosa 'Petite Butterfly' (Sweet Pea Shrub) - A compact shrub to almost 3 feet tall with a rounded habit. It is has gray-green foliage that is slightly rounder than Polygala x dalmaisiana. It is very free flowering with the purple pea-like flowers, composed of two winged petals surrounding a whitish purple lacy crest, found on the plant nearly year-round. Plant in full sun or part shade with regular to little irrigation. Hardy to 15-20 F. Polygala fruticosa is a coastal species that can even be found within the splash zone. This would make this a good candidate for beachside plantings. It also makes a good cut flower and lasts well in arrangements. We received our stock plant as Polygala 'Petite Butterfly' from Robert Abe of Chia Nursery in Carpinteria, California, who got it from Malanseuns Pleasure Plants in South Africa. Malanseuns Pleasure Plants now lists this plant as Polygala fruticosa 'Sugar Baby' var. Butterfly Petite and has applied for a trademark in South Africa for the Sugar Baby name. It is also growin ing the nursery trade as Polygala myrtifolia 'Mariposa' - mariposa is the Spanish word for butterfly. The name Polygala is Latin from the Greek word 'polugalon' for "much milk" because of the belief that cows grazing on milkwort increased their milk production. We have grown this plant since 2004 but are discontinuing this plant in favor of Polygala 'Alta Mariposa' which is similar but a stronger growing plant with larger leaves.
This description of Polygala 'Petite Butterfly' is based on our research and our observations of this plant growing in the nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens. We would appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written.
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