Overview
Polygala alpina is a trailing, bushy, dwarf, mat-forming shrubs in the genus Polygala, part of the Polygalaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Polygala alpina grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, rock garden, wildlife gardens and banks and slopes.
About
Polygala alpina is a cultivar of the Polygala genus, which includes various shrubs known for their simple leaves and pea-like racemes of flowers. This evergreen shrub has a trailing, bushy, dwarf, and mat-forming habit, making it suitable for rock gardens, wildlife gardens, and informal or cottage garden settings. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers fertile, well-drained soils such as chalk, loam, or sand, with a pH that can be acid, alkaline, or neutral. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is best grown in exposed or sheltered east, south, or west-facing aspects and is of interest during spring and summer.
About the genus
Polygala is a large genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Polygalaceae. They are commonly known as milkworts or snakeroots. The genus is distributed widely throughout much of the world in temperate zones and the tropics.
Wikipedia contributors, "Polygala", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polygala
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Polygala
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Polygala alpina size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Trailing, Bushy, Dwarf, Mat-forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens, Banks and slopes
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Polygala alpina
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Polygala alpina?
Polygala alpina prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Polygala alpina need?
Polygala alpina is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Polygala alpina hardy in the UK?
Polygala alpina has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Polygala alpina?
Seed, Division.
