Heart-Leaved Polygala
(Polygala fruticosa)
Heart-Leaved Polygala (Polygala fruticosa)
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Di Turner
Public Domain
Image By:
Di Turner
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Di Turner | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Di Turner | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-10-31T11:26:10-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Polygala fruticosa, commonly known as Heart-Leaved Polygala, is an evergreen shrub native to the fynbos and grassland ecosystems of the Cape Provinces, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eswatini in South Africa. This species typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet and a width of 2-3 feet, featuring a dense, bushy habit with fine-textured foliage. The plant is adorned with small, heart-shaped leaves and produces vibrant purple flowers throughout the year, with peak blooming in spring and summer. The flowers are quite showy, making it a popular ornamental choice.
Heart-Leaved Polygala is valued for its drought tolerance and long flowering season, which provides a continuous display of color in the garden. It is often used in rock gardens, as a low hedge, or in mixed borders. This shrub thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. While it tolerates low to medium water conditions, regular watering during prolonged dry periods will keep it looking its best. It is relatively low maintenance, but occasional pruning can help maintain its shape and encourage denser growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Heart-Leaved Polygala is valued for its drought tolerance and long flowering season, which provides a continuous display of color in the garden. It is often used in rock gardens, as a low hedge, or in mixed borders. This shrub thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. While it tolerates low to medium water conditions, regular watering during prolonged dry periods will keep it looking its best. It is relatively low maintenance, but occasional pruning can help maintain its shape and encourage denser growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to the fynbos and grassland ecosystems of the Cape Provinces, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eswatini in South Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Dwarf Sweet Pea Shrub, Butterfly Bush
Scientific Names: , Polygala fruticosa, Polygala oppositifolia, Polygala cordifolia, Polygala borboniifolia, Polygala latifolia, Polygala tetragona, Polygala diffusa, Polygala glauca, Polygala nummularia
GBIF Accepted Name: Polygala fruticosa P.J.Bergius