Polygala calcarea

RHS Plant Profile
chalk milkwort
Award of Garden Merit
Herbaceous Perennial

A creeping, mat-forming evergreen perennial to 5cm in height, with basal rosettes of small, leathery dark green leaves, and trailing stems of white-tipped, dark blue flowers to 7mm long, in short teminal racemes, from late spring to early summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Polygalaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming, Trailing
Genus
Polygala can be annuals, evergreen perennials or shrubs, with simple leaves and racemes of somewhat pea-shaped flowers
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
W & C Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, sharply drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Can also be grown in pots in an alpine house

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in an open frame in autumn. Propagate by taking softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in mid to late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free outdoors, but may be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse whitefly under glass

Diseases

Gernerally disease-free