Polygala myrtifolia

RHS Plant Profile

myrtle-leaved milkwort

Shrubs Conservatory Greenhouse

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A tender, erect, bushy evergreen shrub with a bushy habit and mid-green leaves. Purple, greenish-white flowers with pink veins are produced from spring through to autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height: 1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or South–facing or West–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): H2

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in peat-free potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun. Water freely through summer months. Outdoors grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, sharply drained soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Take softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in mid-late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

City and courtyard gardens
Conservatory and greenhouse
Flower borders and beds
Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 9. Prune winter damaged shoots in spring

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and whitefly if growing under glass

Diseases

High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa