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Polygala virgata (Purple milkwort)
1 hour care
per year
per year
2m
Max height
Max height
0.9m
Max spread
Max spread
5-10 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Polygala virgata
Other names
Purple milkwort, Purple broom
Genus
Polygala Polygala
Species
P. virgata - P. virgata is an erect, borderline hardy, evergreen shrub with linear to narrowly lance-shaped, glossy, dark green leaves and racemes of pea-like, magenta flowers from late spring into summer.
Polygala virgata is: Evergreen
Habit
Cushion or Mound Forming, Compact
Flower
Magenta in Summer; Magenta in Autumn
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generaly pest-free
Specific pests
Aphids , Whitefly Aphids , Whitefly
Diseases
Generally disease-free
General care
Pruning
Pruning Group 9. Prune to promote a bushy habit.
Propagation methods
Semi-ripe cuttings, Softwood cuttings, Seed
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Where to grow
Polygala virgata (Purple milkwort) will reach a height of 2m and a spread of 0.9m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Conservatory, Containers, Drought Tolerant, Gravel, Greenhouse, Low Maintenance, Mediterranean, Rock, Wallside and trellises
Cultivation
Outdoors, grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates light frosts, drought, and wind. Protect in winter in cold areas. May die to the ground in the coldest areas of its growing range. Under glass, grow in loamless potting compost in full light with shade from intense sun. Feed monthly and water freely in growth, sparingly in winter.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Polygala virgata
Other names
Purple milkwort, Purple broom
Genus
Polygala Polygala
Species
P. virgata - P. virgata is an erect, borderline hardy, evergreen shrub with linear to narrowly lance-shaped, glossy, dark green leaves and racemes of pea-like, magenta flowers from late spring into summer.
Native to
South Africa
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Cushion or Mound Forming, Compact
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Colour
Flower
Magenta in Summer; Magenta in Autumn
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generaly pest-free
Specific pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
General care
Pruning
Pruning Group 9. Prune to promote a bushy habit.
Propagation methods
Semi-ripe cuttings, Softwood cuttings, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Polygala virgata (Purple milkwort) will reach a height of 2m and a spread of 0.9m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Conservatory, Containers, Drought Tolerant, Gravel, Greenhouse, Low Maintenance, Mediterranean, Rock, Wallside and trellises
Cultivation
Outdoors, grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates light frosts, drought, and wind. Protect in winter in cold areas. May die to the ground in the coldest areas of its growing range. Under glass, grow in loamless potting compost in full light with shade from intense sun. Feed monthly and water freely in growth, sparingly in winter.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
ARTICLES WITH THIS PLANT
By west London based garden designer Jonathan Snow. Jonathan’s inspiration for his Trailfinders Garden is the Winelands of the Western Cape of South Africa. read more
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