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Shrubs

Polygala myrtifolia var. grandiflora

large-flowered myrtle-leaved milkwort

A tender, rounded to spreading, evergreen shrub to 2.5m tall, with small oval leaves. From mid-summer to late autumn it produces dark purple flowers, 2.5cm long, at the stem tips

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Ultimate height

1.5–2.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

5–10 years

Ultimate spread

1.5–2.5 metres

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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)

Botanical details

Family: Polygalaceae
Native to the UK: 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

Under glass grow in loam-based compost with added extra organic matter and grit. Position in full light with shade from hot sun. In growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed at 15-18°C in spring, take softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Mediterranean climate plants
Patio and container plants
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

See pruning group 9

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse whitefly

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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