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Herbaceous Perennial

Polygala calcarea

chalk milkwort

A creeping, mat-forming evergreen perennial to 5cm in height, with basal rosettes of small, leathery dark green leaves, and trailing stems of white-tipped, dark blue flowers to 7mm long, in short teminal racemes, from late spring to early summer

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Blue Green
Summer White Blue Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Polygalaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming, Trailing
Genus

Polygala can be annuals, evergreen perennials or shrubs, with simple leaves and racemes of somewhat pea-shaped flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
W & C Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, sharply drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Can also be grown in pots in an alpine house

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in an open frame in autumn. Propagate by taking softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in mid to late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free outdoors, but may be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse whitefly under glass

Diseases

Gernerally disease-free

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