Polygala chamaebuxus

RHS Plant Profile

box-leaved milkwort

Other common names

bastard box

Synonyms

Polygaloides chamaebuxus
Polygala chamaebuxus

Alpine Rockery Shrubs

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A dwarf evergreen subshrub to 10cm high, with small, dark green, ovate leaves and pea-like, cream and yellow flowers 12mm in length in late spring and 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: 5–10 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: South–facing or East–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): H7

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Apiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy
Genus
Name Status: Correct

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 or semi-hardwood cuttings in mid to late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

City and courtyard gardens
Gravel garden
Rock garden
Patio and container plants
Mediterranean climate plants

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free