Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Polygala virgata or Purple broom

The genus Polygala, family Polygalaceae, comprises 400 species of shrubs, trees and herbaceous plants distributed by almost all the continents. Some species are: Polygala virgata, Polygala myrtifolia, Polygala vulgaris, Polygala linoides, Polygala senega.

Common name: Purple broom. This species is native to South Africa and Botswana.

They are fast growing, erect evergreen shrubs that reach 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in height. The alternate leaves sprout on the young branches, are elongated, dark green, and have a velvety texture; they usually fall before flowering. The showy purple magenta flowers appear in hanging clusters. They bloom in spring.

Purple broom is used in rockery, as isolated specimens, in bushy groups and planted next to walls. It's ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens.

Polygala virgata grows in full sun and semi-shade exposures. Resists light and occasional frosts.

The soil can be a normal, well-drained garden soil with coarse sand and containing organic matter.

Water regularly waiting for the substrate to dry; established plants resist a few days of drought. In summer Purple broom needs a little more water.

Fertilize with compost or manure in late winter and with mineral fertilizer in early spring.

Polygala virgata can be lightly pruned after flowering to maintain a compact appearance.

Purple broom is a plant resistant to the usual plants and diseases.

Polygala virgata is usually self-propagating by seeds; seedlings growing alongside the mother plant can be transplanted in spring.

Images of the shrub Polygala virgata or Purple broom