Polygala

Family. Polygalaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Polygala are annual and perennial evergreen shrubs with erect stems. Young stems have thick white pubescence. The leaves are arranged alternately, usually oval in shape, up to 5 cm long and up to 1.5 cm wide, light or dark green, sometimes grayish. The flowers are small - up to 3 cm in diameter, collected in apical inflorescences, pink, white, purple, but more often lavender and purple, opening sequentially from bottom to top. There are species with buds of two different shades.

Height. Depending on the type - from 15 to 90 cm. 

Planting and care

Growing, pruning 

Polygala responds well to pruning, which promotes the development of a lush bush. During the dormant period, it needs good lighting, as it retains its foliage.

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, a room temperature of 18 - 22 ° C is suitable, in winter - a cooler content at a temperature of 5 - 12 ° C. Withstands short frosts down to -15 ° C. 

Lighting

Loves well-lit places without direct sunlight during the daytime. Some species can grow in partial shade.

Soil for the polygala

Adapts well to most  soil types, but prefers a well-drained substrate with plenty of coarse river sand and a slightly acidic pH.

Fertilizer

Apply fertilizer every 2 weeks during the growing season.

Flowering time

Blooms throughout the year with a peak in spring.

Spraying

Spray periodically. Place the pot in a well-ventilated area.

Irrigation

During active growth, keep the soil moist but not soggy. Reduce watering frequency in winter. Use softened water at room temperature for watering.

Transplant

Adult plants are replanted in the spring every 2 to 3 years. Young - every year, as the polygala grows quickly.

Reproduction

Easily propagated by seeds and stem cuttings taken in spring and autumn. 

Pests and diseases

The plant may shed its leaves if there is a lack of light during the dormant period.  Among harmful insects, aphids can pose a certain danger. 

Polygala vulgaris

Compact flowering shrub 10 - 35 cm high with thin, erect shoots branched at the base. With age, the stems become woody at the base. The leaves are green, narrowly lanceolate, arranged alternately, on short petioles, reaching a length of 1 - 2 cm. At the end of spring - beginning of summer, the flowering period begins and the plant forms apical inflorescences with bright, purple or lilac flowers. 

Polygala comosa

Low flowering evergreen shrubs with erect, rigid, tetrahedral shoots at the base. The leaves are narrow, glossy, dark green, sessile or on short petioles. the flowers are lilac, white, pink or lavender, collected in apical inflorescences, opening sequentially - from the base of the inflorescence to its apex.

Polygala myrtifolia

A very attractive variety - it is a flowering shrub that in its natural habitat reaches a height of 2-4 m. The plant develops quickly, but easily tolerates formative pruning. The shoots are thin, abundantly branched, become lignified with age and are covered with light brown bark. The leaves are narrow, elliptical, green, entire, 2.5 - 5 cm long. The flowers are bright pink or lilac, collected in small inflorescences at the tops of the shoots. When grown indoors, it can bloom throughout the year. Flowers are able to close at night. 

Polygala chinensis

Herbaceous plants up to 75 cm high with erect shoots. The leaves are oval or lanceolate, green, entire, on short petioles. The flowers are white or orange, collected in small inflorescences at the tops of the shoots.