Plant Care Guides / Outdoor & Coastal / Large shrubs and feature plants
Indigenous | Easy Care | Large shrubs and feature plants
The September bush earns its name by peaking in spring, but in a mild climate like ours it flowers on and off for most of the year. It carries clusters of bright magenta-purple flowers at the tips of its branches, each with a distinctive brush-like tuft that sets it apart from the pea flowers it resembles at first glance.
It is one of the most popular indigenous shrubs in South African gardens and for good reason: it is fast-growing, evergreen, handles wind, salt air, coastal exposure and drought, grows in poor sandy soil, and keeps itself neat with minimal pruning. Both the larger Polygala myrtifolia and the more compact fruticosa ('Southern Shores') are covered here, with the same care. It self-seeds freely in the right conditions.
Polygala myrtifolia reaches about 2 to 3 m. Polygala fruticosa is more compact at 1.5 to 2 m.
Fast.
Feature shrub, mixed indigenous border, screen, informal hedge, container, mass planting for a sweep of colour.
Full sun to semi-shade. Flowers best in sun.
Not fussy. Grows in sandy, well-drained soil, acid or alkaline. Handles the coastal conditions here without complaint.
Water-wise once established. Water while settling in, then it needs very little.
Minimal. A light feed in spring is enough. It thrives in poor soil and does not need rich conditions.
A light trim after the main spring flush keeps it compact and encourages another round of flowers. It does not need hard pruning unless it has become leggy.
Ask about availability. WhatsApp us to check what is currently in stock, or visit the nursery and we will help you choose the right plant for your spot.
