About
This creeping, mat-forming evergreen perennial to 5cm in height, with basal rosettes of small, leathery dark green leaves, and trailing stems of white-tipped, dark blue flowers to 7mm long, in short teminal racemes, from late spring to early summer.
About the genus
Polygala can be annuals, evergreen perennials or shrubs, with simple leaves and racemes of somewhat pea-shaped flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming, Trailing
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toW & C Europe
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, sharply drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Can also be grown in pots in an alpine house
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in an open frame in autumn. Propagate by taking softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in mid to late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free outdoors, but may be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse whitefly under glass
Disease resistanceGernerally disease-free