Polygala × dalmaisiana

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sweet pea shrub

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Synonyms

Polygala myrtifolia 'Grandiflora'
Polygala myrtifolia var. grandiflora misapplied

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A bushy evergreen shrub to 1.5m, with dark green, ovate leaves and terminal racemes of pea-like, reddish-purple flowers 2.5cm long, in summer and autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Polygalaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Polygala can be annuals, evergreen perennials or shrubs, with simple leaves and racemes of somewhat pea-shaped flowers
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a conservatory or greenhouse with a minimum temperature of 5-7°C (41-45°F) or in a container for summer interest outdoors. Use a peat-free compost in containers. Water freely during growing season and sparingly in winter. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly when in growth

Propagation

Propagate by seed in spring in a temperature of 15°C (59°F). Take softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in mid-late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

Pruning group 9

Pests

Glasshouse whitefly and aphids may be a problem under glass

Diseases

Generally disease-free