Fairy Lights Sweet Pea Shrub

Fairy Lights Sweet Pea Shrub (Polygala chamaebuxus var. grandiflora 'Fairy Lights') is a low, ground-hugging alpine, only about 10cm high and 15cm wide. In spring and summer it is covered in vibrant purple and yellow pea-shaped flowers. Its neat leaves, tiny footprint and very low demands make it ideal for rockeries and pots.

Why you'll love it

• Two-tone flowers. Bright purple and yellow pea flowers cover the plant through spring and summer, and look far bigger than the plant itself.
• Tiny and tidy. At 10cm by 15cm it tucks into rockery crevices, troughs and small pots.
• Fully frost hardy. As an alpine it takes cold without protection.
• Almost no care. Once established it is drought tolerant and needs only a trim and a few feeds a year.
• Versatile. Use it in rockeries, containers, hanging baskets or as a small scale mass planting.

Where it works best

Rockeries. Tuck plants between stones in a sunny spot where water drains away quickly. The low, mounded habit softens the edges of rock.

Pots, troughs and baskets. A shallow container of free draining mix on a patio shows off the flowers at close range. It is small enough to share a pot with other alpines.

Mass planting in small spaces. Plant 15cm apart for a dense low carpet of leaf and colour along a path edge or in a gravel garden.

Growing Fairy Lights Sweet Pea Shrub in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, with tolerance of a small amount of shade. Once established it takes both frost and dry spells in its stride. As an alpine it does best where summers are mild, so it suits cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens. In hot, humid districts give it the best drained spot with morning sun, or grow it in a pot.

Soil. Free draining soil rich in organic matter. It grows in almost any fertile soil, provided that water never sits around the roots.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well while it establishes. Apply a controlled release fertiliser in spring, summer and autumn.

Pruning. Trim at the beginning of spring to promote compact growth and flowering.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Fairy Lights Sweet Pea Shrub as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. This is a naturally small plant, so expect a petite tube with fine leaves rather than a bushy shrub. Plant it out or pot it up soon after delivery, and water it in well.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Rockery plants
• Frost hardy plants
• More plants for pots
• Low growing plant ideas for garden borders

Common questions

How big will it get?

About 10cm high and 15cm wide, so it stays small. Plant it where it will not be shaded or swamped by larger neighbours.

Will it cope with frost?

Yes. It is an alpine and fully frost hardy. It is also drought tolerant once established, though it appreciates a regular drink while it settles in.

Does it suit hot, humid gardens?

It is happiest where summers are mild. In hot, humid climates grow it in a pot or a raised rockery with very sharp drainage and morning sun.