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. |
Photographs
Polygala myrtifolia, leaf. Tresco Abbey Garden, Tresco, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom.
Polygala myrtifolia, leaf. Tresco Abbey Garden, Tresco, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom.
Polygala myrtifolia, flower. Tresco Abbey Garden, Tresco, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom.
Polygala myrtifolia, flower. Tresco Abbey Garden, Tresco, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom.
Polygala myrtifolia, form. Tresco Abbey Garden, Tresco, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom.