Polygala myrtifolia (September Bush)
Botanical Information
Family | Polygalaceae |
Genus | Polygala |
Species | myrtifolia |
Category | Tropicals |
Type | Shrub (deciduous) |
Origin | Found along the Western Cape in South Africa in the Bokkeveld Mountains near Clanwilliam to Kwazulu-Natal. |
Details
USDA Hardiness Zone | 9 |
USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cool season protection under glass. |
Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
RHS Hardiness Zone | H4 - H3 |
RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
Temperature (°C) | -7 - (-1) |
Temperature (°F) | 20 - 30 |
Height | 1 - 2.5m |
Growth | Fast |
Flowering Period | June, July |
Description and Growing Information
General Description | An erect shrub or small tree with many branches. |
Propagation | Propagate through seed in the spring or by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in a sandy propagating mix with a gentle bottom heat. |
Cultivation | Grow in partial shade or sun in well drained, moist soil in the winter, and reduced moisture in the winter. |
Pests | Whitefly may be a problem pest when the plants are grown under glass. |
Notable Specimens | Tresco Abbey Garden, Tresco, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom. |
Habitat | Open woodlands, grasslands, evergreen forests, and coastal areas such as dunes and rocky shores. |
Leaf Description | Leaves are 2.5 - 5 cm, alternating, and are elliptic-oblong or obovate in shape. |
Flower Description | Flowers are large (13 - 18 mm) and rich purple in colour. Blooming at the end of short, terminal racemes, they close at night. |