Polygala chamaebuxus
Description and General Information:
Shrubby milkwort is native to alpine meadows, rocky ridges and open woodlands of west-central Europe. Plants are evergreen with small, leathery, boxwood-like leaves. Stems grow to about 15 cm but plants will spread to form a groundcover-like mat. In warmer areas, plants start to bloom in March but in the north, not until June. The fragrant flowers are solitary or in pairs, looking something like a pea-blossom. Typically the flowers are creamy yellow but the cultivar 'Grandiflora' has bright purple-pink flowers with bright yellow stigma.
Cultivation:
Shrubby milkwort prefers full sun to part-shade and evenly moist, but not soggy, humus-rich soil. It is not fond of hot temperatures or drought. It prefers acidic soil. In warmer regions, dappled sun under a high canopy is ideal. In cooler regions, they combine well with heaths and heathers in full sun. It has no serious pests or diseases. Hardy through zones 5-8.
Propagation:
Seeds, cuttings and division.
Seeds:
Direct sow at 20 C; no stratification period required.
Cuttings:
Mid-summer cuttings generally root within a few weeks.
Division:
After blooming, larger mats may be dug and cut into smaller pieces.