About

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.

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 moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens
Native toSouth Africa, Lesotho

Care notes

CultivationUnder 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
PruningPruning group 9. Prune winter damaged shoots in spring
PropagationTake softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in mid-late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and whitefly if growing under glass
Disease resistanceHigh Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa