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

In the garden

Polygala myrtifolia originates from the southern and south‑eastern coasts of South Africa where it grows on dunes, rocky ground, forest margins, beside streams and in open grassland; it is a characteristic component of fynbos vegetation. In its native range it establishes quickly and forms a multi‑stemmed shrub or small tree of about 2–4 m. For cultivation, match the plant’s natural habitats: give a free‑draining, gritty or sandy soil and a position that receives plenty of light, though it will also tolerate dappled shade as found on forest edges. Avoid heavy, waterlogged ground; its occurrence beside streams in the wild shows it will tolerate localized moisture but not poor drainage. Expect flowering in the UK from June to September, the blooms often appearing mauve but also occurring in pink, crimson or white variants. In the garden, its size suits the back of a sunny border or an open coastal bed where wind and salt exposure are features it tolerates in its native range. The flowers close at night and display a distinctive brush‑tuft on the keel, a useful identification point when selecting plants for summer colour and wildlife‑friendly planting.

From the Fenn Plants journal

• Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
• Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
• Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.