Dipogon spp.

Cape sweet pea

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Dipogon spp. is a genus in the pea family (Fabaceae) represented by the single species Dipogon lignosus, a perennial twining vine native to South Africa. Slender stems twine to 10-16 feet (3-5 m), bearing trifoliate leaves with broadly triangular to diamond-shaped leaflets 1-2.4 inches (2.5-6 cm) long. Clusters of pea-shaped flowers in pink, mauve, magenta, or purple and white open over a long season, followed by flat oblong pods 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long that twist as they dry to scatter seed. The vine grows quickly from a woody rootstock and can smother shrubs, fences, and low trees, which has made it an invasive weed in Australia, New Zealand, and coastal California. In its native Cape habitat it scrambles through fynbos and forest margins. The roots fix nitrogen through bacterial nodules, as in other legumes.

Native Range

Dipogon lignosus is native to the Cape region of South Africa, where it grows in fynbos, scrub, and forest margins. It has naturalised widely in Australia, New Zealand, the western United States, and other mild regions, where it is treated as an invasive weed.

Suggested Uses

In mild gardens within its native range it is grown on fences, trellises, and banks for quick cover. Outside that range it is rarely planted because of its smothering, weedy growth.

How to Identify

Recognised by twining stems with trifoliate leaves whose leaflets are broadly triangular to diamond-shaped, and by clusters of pink to magenta pea flowers along the stems. Flat oblong pods follow and twist open when dry. The triangular leaflets and woody-based perennial climbing habit separate it from annual sweet peas (Lathyrus spp.).

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10' - 16'

Width/Spread6' - 10'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering runs over a long season, mainly spring and summer in mild climates, with successive clusters of pea flowers along the stems. Flat pods follow quickly and release seed as they twist open. In frost-free regions scattered flowers can appear for much of the year.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

pink, mauve, magenta, or purple and white

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Dipogon lignosus grows in full sun to part shade in most well-drained soils and tolerates poor, sandy, and coastal ground. Plants are drought-resistant once the woody rootstock is established and resprout after cutting or light frost. Growth is rapid, and unsupported stems form dense tangled mats over other plants. The species sets abundant seed and spreads from both seed and rootstock, which underlies its weed status outside its native range. Frost cuts back top growth, but established roots survive mild winters. In regions where it is invasive, planting is restricted or discouraged under weed regulations.

Pruning

Stems can be cut back hard at any time to control spread, and the species resprouts from the woody base. Spent growth and seed pods are removed before pods open to limit self-seeding. Where the vine is a weed, root removal is needed because cutting alone leaves the rootstock to regrow.

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Unknown

Vine