Polygala myrtifolia

Polygala myrtifolia, also known as the Myrtle-leaf Milkwort, is undoubtedly the most widely planted species of Polygala in our gardens in very mild climates, but also on our patios. Its popularity is due to its ease of cultivation, its hardiness, but also to its remarkable number of flowers and length of flowering. Its evergreen vegetation is light but dense, bushy and nicely rounded. In successive waves, it produces beautiful clusters of small bicolored pea flowers, white and pink-violet, sometimes all year round. An enjoyable bush from all points of view, essential in mild climates and by the seaside.

The Myrtle-leaf Milkwort is an evergreen shrub plant from the large family Polygalaceae, native to South Africa. Its natural environment, which is very variable, consists of different types of open areas, such as heathlands, cliffs, dunes, shrubland and even along streams. It forms a beautiful bush of 2m (7ft) in all directions within 3 to 4 years. While its growth is fast, its lifespan is limited. This Polygala, like many others, ensures its longevity by self-seeding, sometimes abundantly, in the most unexpected places in the garden, in favourable climates and soils. Its flowering is very vibrant, lasting about 10 months, from April-May to autumn. The flowers, gathered in terminal clusters, are papilionaceous like those of the legumes.  They consist of 2 winged sepals in pink-violet and a lower petal in white-green strongly tinged with violet. The stamens emerge from the flower, forming a tuft of the same shade. The foliage is evergreen, with green or purplish branches. The small leaves are rounded to ovate, pointed at their tips, tender green and sometimes tinged with purple, 2 to 3cm (1in) long, with a more pronounced midrib. The fruit is a small winged capsule, sometimes difficult to spot on the bush.

This Polygala will find its place in small hedges, Mediterranean shrub beds, rockeries, in not too cold climates, in the company of Melaleuca, Leptospermum, Medicago arborea, evergreen Ceanothus, Abelia and Escallonia. It will withstand -5°C, in well-drained soil. Elsewhere, it can be displayed in large pots that can be brought indoors in winter to protect them from frost. It is content with ordinary but very well-drained soil and a sunny position. It is highly recommended for coastal gardens, as it is very tolerant of strong winds and soil and air salinity.