About
A widespread native wildflower with rather sprawly, woody-based stems up to 20cm, bearing very small, oval, evergreen leaves and sprays of small flowers that are usually blue but can be purple, pink or white. A food plant for the dark green Fritillary butterfly as well as supplying pollen and nectar.
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 hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitTrailing
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationOccurs naturally in short grassland, and on heaths and dunes, preferring well-drained soil in a sunny position
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pesr-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free