Polygala fruticosa is a small shrub with interesting oval leaves and bright purple flowers. It is a native of South Africa and is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens. The flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it a great plant for wildlife gardens.
Alternative name
- bird's foot polygala
- butterfly bush
- fragrant polygala
- milkwort
- sweet milkwort
Common Knowledge
- Polygala fruticosa is a perennial herb that grows in the temperate regions of Europe and Asia.
- It is also known as fringed polygala, Chinese milkwort, and Korean ginseng.
- The plant has small, white flowers and elliptical leaves.
- The root of the plant is used in traditional Chinese medicine.
- Polygala fruticosa is thought to have various health benefits, including the ability to boost energy levels, improve circulation, and promote detoxification.
- Polygala fruticosa is also believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer properties.
- The plant is generally considered safe when taken in recommended doses.
- However, some people may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Polygala fruticosa should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, as it may cause uterine contractions.
- Polygala fruticosa is a dietary supplement and should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet.
How to Grow
- For polygala fruticosa, first step is to choose a well-drained location in full sun to partial shade.
- Then, clear the chosen location of any grass or weeds.
- Next, loosen the topsoil to a depth of about 12 inches (30 cm).
- After that, mix in some organic matter to the loosened soil.
- Now, it is time to take your polygala fruticosa plant and gently remove it from its current pot.
- Carefully loosen the roots and then plant it in the prepared hole.
- Once planted, water it thoroughly.
- For the next step, you will need to mulch around the base of the plant.
- In the spring and summer months, water polygala fruticosa regularly.
- Lastly, fertilize it once a year with a general-purpose fertilizer.
Related plant:
Polygala Petite Butterfly
The Soil
About soil condition, Polygala fruticosa prefers well-drained, sandy soil in full sun to part shade. It is drought tolerant once established. It will grow in light shade, but flowering will be reduced.
Light condition
So, like the other polygala species, polygala fruticosa requires a lot of sun to thrive. It's a tough plant that can tolerate some drought, but it will flower and perform best with regular watering. It's a great choice for a sunny spot in the garden, and makes an excellent addition to a butterfly garden.
The Temperature
The temperature condition of Polygala fruticosa is required to be warm and humid for the growth and development of the plant. The average temperature for the growth of this plant is 20 degrees Celsius. The plant requires a temperature of at least 15 degrees Celsius for germination. The optimum temperature for the development of this plant is 30 degrees Celsius. The plant can tolerate a temperature up to 40 degrees Celsius. The plant cannot tolerate a temperature below 10 degrees Celsius.
Humidity Level
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40-60%. They do best in bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate some direct sun. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. During the winter months, allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering.
Fertilizer Requirement
Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant will not need extra nutrients if the soil is healthy. However, if the leaves start to turn yellow, it could be a sign that the plant is not getting enough nitrogen. A water-soluble fertilizer can be applied every couple of weeks during the growing season. The roots of the plant are sensitive to overwatering, so make sure the soil is well-drained.
About light
Pruning your polygala fruticosa regularly will ensure that it remainshealthy and bloomsprofusely. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new growth. You can also prune back the plant to control its size and shape.
About Propagating
Propagation of the polygala fruticosa is easy to do through cuttings taken from new growth. The cuttings should be about 4 inches long and taken from the tips of the branches. Place the cuttings in a pot of moistened perlite or sand and keep them warm and humid until they root. It usually takes about 4 weeks for the cuttings to root.
Growth Speed
Usually, the plant growth rate is in the spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing and producing leaves. However, some growth can occur in the fall and winter if the plant is well-watered and temperature conditions are favorable. The growth rate of polygala fruticosa is influenced by many factors, such as light, water, and nutrient availability.
Basic Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant are root rot and aphids. Root rot is caused by overwatering or poor drainage, which leads to fungal growth. Aphids are small insects that sap nutrients from the plant, weakening it. These problems can be controlled by proper watering and regular applications of insecticide.
List to Know
- Make sure to plant your polygala fruticosa in an area that gets plenty of sunlight.
- Polygala fruticosa prefers well-drained soil.
- Water your plant regularly, but do not over-water it.
- Fertilize your plant once every two weeks during the growing season.
- Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth.
- Protect your plant from frost damage by covering it with a cloth or burlap bag during cold weather.
- Bring your plant indoors during the winter months if you live in an area with cold winters.
- Re-pot your plant every two years to refresh the soil.
- Watch for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if you notice any.
- Enjoy the beautiful flowers your polygala fruticosa plant produces!
Substitution
- Polygala amara is a species of flowering plant in the milkwort family known by the common name bitter polygala.
- Polygala aureola is a species of flowering plant in the milkwort family known by the common names golden polygala and golden milkwort.
- Polygala luteola is a species of flowering plant in the milkwort family known by the common names golden polygala and golden milkwort.
- Polygala rufescens is a species of flowering plant in the milkwort family known by the common names golden polygala and golden milkwort.
- Polygala senega is a species of flowering plant in the milkwort family known by the common name Seneca snakeroot.
- Polygala sibirica is a species of flowering plant in the milkwort family known by the common name Siberian polygala.
Source:
Polygala incarnata (Pink milkwort) - Michigan Natural Features Inventory
3. POLYGALA Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 2: 701. 1753. - eFloras.org
Polygalaceae - Rainforest Plants - wikis.wheatonma.edu
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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