POLYGALA myrtifolia

Interesting evergreen shrub with a compact and globular habit, very ornamental. Originally from South Africa, it grows rapidly and can reach considerable heights and widths (around 2-3 m). Branched considerably from the base, its branches are densely covered with leaves that resemble those of the myrtle. These leaves are ovate-lanceolate, arranged alternately, glabrous and dark green in color. From the beginning of spring and until the first cold weather, abundant flowers appear on the plant, largely similar to those of legumes. These flowers are purplish in color and appear gathered in short inflorescences at the apex and axilla of the leaves of the stems of the previous year. The flowers are followed by the fruit: a small winged capsule.

Easy to grow plant that needs a sunny and bright position, otherwise its growth and flowering would be poorer. The soil must be medium, fertile, rich in humus and well drained: water stagnation can cause the rapid and sudden death of the plant. It tolerates drought even if it benefits from some irrigation in the hottest times of the year. It tolerates both salt and sea winds so it is ideal for coastal gardens. Winter frosts can redden the foliage, while if intense and prolonged they can even damage the plant. Given the continuous growth of this plant it is advisable to prune it regularly, removing dry, damaged and disordered branches and reducing the most vigorous stems to favor vegetation, limit growth and reshape the crown. It is also suitable for pots and large containers where it should be watered regularly; in the open ground it can be used as a unique specimen to give color to the garden or associated with other essences to create colored and thick hedges.