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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Polygalaceae (Milkworts) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Purple |
| Bloomtime: Year-round |
| Synonyms: [P. myrtifolia var. dalmaisiana] |
| Parentage: (P. oppositifolia x P. myrtifolia) |
| Height: 3-5 feet |
| Width: 4-6 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F |
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PPolygala x dalmaisiana (Sweet Pea Shrub) - Thought to be a cross between Polygala oppositifolia and P. myrtifolia, this attractive fast growing shrub typically grows 3-5 feet tall with narrow 1 inch long dull green leaves and flowers that are a purplish pink with two winged petals that surround the whitish-purple lacy crest. In coastal climates this plant can be in bloom throughout the year. The flower color combination is not easy to combine with but can be used effectively with blue and white flowering plants. Plant in full sun or part shade with regular to little irrigation. Documented elsewhere as hardy to at least 24°F but we had plants survive our December 1990 freeze, sustaining temperatures throughout the night below freezing and several hours down to 18°F. It also tolerates a wide range of soil types but not heavy wet soil. The trunk and lower stems are often bare so trim or shear to keep compact. Not a particularly long lived plant but useful for its fast growth and continual flowering and its cut stems of flowers are great and last well in arrangements. The name Polygala is Latin from the Greek word 'polugalon' for "much milk" because of the belief that cows grazing on milkwort increased their milk production. The hybrid name "x dalmaisiana" dates back to a description in the "Revue Horticole" from 1844 and is often misinterpreted as a misspelling of "dalmatiana" as a geographical reference to Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, but is actually named for Mr. Dalmais, the French gardener who raised it from seed in 1839.
The information on this page is based on research conducted about this plant in the San Marcos Growers library, from online sources, and from observations made of the crops growing in our nursery, plants in the nursery's garden and those in other gardens where we may have observed it. We also have incorporated comments received from others and welcome getting feedback from those who may have additional information, particularly if this information includes cultural information that would aid others in growing Polygala x dalmaisiana. |
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