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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Polygalaceae (Milkworts) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Purple |
| Bloomtime: Summer/Fall |
| Height: 4-6 feet |
| Width: 3-5 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 10-15° F |
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Polygala virgata 'Portola' (Purple broom) - A fast growing shrub up to 6 ft. tall, with long, narrow leaves and spikes of purple sweetpea-like blossoms. Tends to be very upright growing and bare at the base - best planted in groups to form an unusual but showy thicket. Tolerates dry conditions and frost once established. Sun or part shade. Root hardy to 10-15 F. Our current plants are a selection we made from crops that we originally grew from seed. To distinguish this selection from seedlings we have named it 'Portola' for the garden on Portola Road where one of our plants was planted and from which all subsequent cuttings were taken. This selection produces its leaves on shorter internodes and makes a fuller looking and much more attractive plant then the typical form of the species. 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 information about Polygala virgata 'Portola' displayed on this page is based on research conducted in our nursery library and from online sources we consider reliable. We will also relate those observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery gardens and in other gardens that we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has additional information, particularly when they share cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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