How to Grow Polygala Petite Butterfly - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2025

Polygala petite butterfly is a great plant for any garden. It has beautiful flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. The plant is also deer resistant and drought tolerant.

How to Grow Polygala Petite Butterfly - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

Pink butterflyweed
Butterfly milkweed
Scarlet milkweed
Tropical milkweed
Bloodflower

Common Knowledge

Polygala petite butterfly is a small to medium-sized butterfly.
The upper surface of the wings is dark brown with a distinctive pale yellow or white stripe running along the outer edge.
The undersides of the wings are paler, with a series of dark brown spots.
The caterpillars of this species are black or dark brown, with a pale stripe running along the side.
The larvae feed on a variety of plants, including legumes, dock, and plantain.
Adults of this species are known to visit a variety of flowers, including thistles, knapweed, and hawthorn.
This species is found in a range of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and hedgerows.
The polygala petite butterfly is widespread in Europe, but is most common in the British Isles.
This species is on the wing from May to September.
The polygala petite butterfly is not considered to be at risk of extinction.

Related plant:
Polygala Fruticosa

Planting Process

For polygala petite butterfly, first step is to choose the right plant. Look for a young plant that is still in its vegetative state. Avoid flowers that are just beginning to bloom or are already in full bloom.
The next step is to identify the root system. For this plant, the roots should be white and healthy looking.
Once you have chosen the right plant, the next step is to transplant it. Be sure to loosen the roots before transplanting.
After transplanting, water the plant well and keep it in a shady area for a few days until it becomes acclimated.
The fifth step is to fertilize the plant. Use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus.
The sixth step is to deadhead the plant. This means removing any spent flowers.
The seventh step is to pinch back the plant. This will encourage new growth and more flowers.
The eighth step is to water the plant regularly. Water it deeply, but avoid overwatering.
The ninth step is to fertilize the plant again. This time, use a fertilizer that is high in potassium.
The final step is to enjoy your beautiful polygala petite butterfly plant!

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, butterflies like polygala pettite prefer dry to mesic conditions and are found in open areas such as fields and prairies. They are also found in woodlands and at forest edges. The adult butterflies drink nectar from a variety of flowers, and the larvae feed on the leaves of milkweed, violets, and other plants.

Light requirement

Not too different with other butterflies, the polygala petite butterfly basks in the sun to absorb energy from the suns rays. This helps them warm up their bodies so they can fly. They also need the sun to help them navigate. The suns light helps them orient themselves so they can find their way around.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is optimal for the growth and development of the Polygala petite butterfly is between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this butterfly can also tolerate a much wider range of temperatures, from as low as 59 degrees Fahrenheit to as high as 93 degrees Fahrenheit. So long as the temperature is not too extreme, the Polygala petite butterfly will be able to thrive.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. This plant requires moderate watering. Water this plant when the topsoil is dry to the touch. Do not water this plant too frequently as it may result in root rot.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, this kind of plant food is complete with all the necessary nutrients for the growth of the plant. It's applied directly to the roots and it's even said to help the plant produce more flowers.

About light

Pruning is an important part of maintaining a healthy polygal petite butterfly plant. By removing spent blossoms and leaves, you encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming overgrown. It is best to prune in the early spring, before new growth begins.

About Propagating

Propagation of the polygala petite butterfly is best done through stem cuttings taken from new growth in the spring. The cuttings should be about four inches long and taken from the tips of the stems. Place the cuttings in a moist potting mix and keep them in a warm, bright location. Water the cuttings regularly and they should root within a few weeks. Once the roots have formed, you can transplant the cuttings into individual pots.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate studies focus on the well-known fact that these butterflies have a voracious appetite for nectar. However, there is another aspect of their growth rate that is not as well known. Polygala petite butterflies also have a very high rate of reproduction. In fact, they are one of the fastest reproducing butterflies in the world. This is due to the fact that they have a very short life span, living for only about two weeks.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are shriveled leaves, stems, and flowers. This is due to lack of water and nutrients. The leaves may also be discolored and have brown spots. In extreme cases, the plant may die.