This South African shrub to 2 m high is widely naturalised across southern Australia and has become invasive in coastal areas. These shrubs are most readily recognised by their mauve-purple, pea-shaped flowers produced throughout most of the year, predominantly during spring. Flowers develop two-celled flattened seed capsules that ripen from green to papery brown. Whilst the plainer form with greenish lower petals is frequently observed as weedy, the showier cultivar 'Grandiflora' with larger flowers and purple lower petals has also been observed readily spreading from plantings.

This non-invasive form of Polygala is an ideal alternative to the invasive species. It is a delightful compact small shrub that grows 1.5 m high by 1 m wide with striking purple pea flowers for most of the year. Grown best in full-sun to partshade.

A sturdy evergreen shrub to 6 m high by 4 m wide, with large showy, purple-violet flowers in autumn. Fast-growing, this species is an ideal feature or privacy plant. There are numerous selected cultivars available which offer variable flower colours and height. Ask at your local garden centre for the best local cultivars.

These hardy, erect, Australian native bushy shrubs to 2 m high produce masses of spring and summer flowers in shades of blue, mauve or purple. Most species have aromatic foliage, are fast growing and frost and drought tolerant. There are numerous species of mint bush available. Seek advice at your local garden centre for the best species for your garden.