Polygala
Milkwort, Seneca, Snakeroot
- Height × spread
- 1.8m – 1.8m × 1.5m – 1.5m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around 500 species of these and they cover annuals, perennials and shrubs as well as the occasional tree. They appear in many parts of the world and there are both hardy and tender varieties. A few of these are known in gardens and appeal both for flowers and foliage. Dainty Polygala chamaebuxus standing 15 cm in height has dark foliage and white pea flowers. The hardy Polygala calcarea is a low-growing creeping form that has blue or white flowers in late spring and early summer. These are mostly grown in rock gardens, chosen for the charm of their appearance.
- Flower colour
- Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 1.8m – 1.8m
- Spread
- 1.5m – 1.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Mediterranean garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Bee attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring - mid-late · Planting
Trim the plant
Trim the plant to give it a general tidy. This includes removing any lengthy or awkward shoots that make the plant look visually less attractive. Remove any spent flower heads at the same time.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Feed a general fertiliser
Where plants have moderate needs for nutrients, they can simply be given a general feed, fairly early in the growth season so that the growth has plenty of time to harden off before the cold weather.
Give plants a general boost with the application of a general purpose fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plant, with amounts as directed on the feed label.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Houseplant compost for repotting
Repot using any good quality house plant compost.