Polygala myrtifolia var. grandiflora

RHS Plant Profile
large-flowered myrtle-leaved milkwort

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Shrubs

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

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

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but 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
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 peat-free, 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