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 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H7Botanical 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
Get involved
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