Polygala dalmaisiana - Sweet Pea Shrub
Polygala dalmaisiana grows to 4-5 feet tall and without pruning is typically a little wider than tall. The Sweet Pea Shrub can bloom all year near the coast, but will take a Winter break in colder climates. Polygala dalmaisiana is drought tolerant once established and will bloom in full sun to light shade. The foliage tends to a pale lime green. Regular trimming will keep the plants compact and blooming. Polygala dalmaisiana is often rather short lived, lasting only a few seasons. Usually by the time a Polygala dalmaisiana plant passes there are seedlings waiting to take its place. Sweet Pea Shrubs are Winter hardy into the low 20°s F. It seems counterintuitive that the white frilly crest isn't part of the plants reproductive setup. The Pistil and anthers are hiding there inside the purple flowers.
Plants in the genus Polygala featured on this site:
Polygala dalmaisiana
Polygala myrtifolia grandiflora