Family POLYGALACEAE
Genus Polygala
Species virgata
SA Plant Number 302.2
Basionym Polygala virgata

Polygala virgata is a very hardy, evergreen, fast-growing, slender shrub with long, narrow, dark-green leaves.

From October to July it bears tall terminal spikes of massed purple to mauve pea-like flowers that attract insects.

Although not particularly long-lived, they readily seed themselves around the garden. The flower spikes last well as cut flowers. Used medicinally.

For the best effect, plant 3 or more of these slender shrubs together, in sun or semi-shade, in compost-rich soil. Prune from when they are young to encourage them to bush out; this will help create an amazing display of flowers.

Size: 1.5 to 2m

Insects: The flowers attract insects to the garden.

Decorative: Flower spikes last well as cut flowers

Landscaping: Lovely addition to a background fill for a country garden. Could look particularly good with Pycnostachys urticifolia (Hedgehog Sage)

Limpopo, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Western Cape

Natural Habitat Forest margin, Grassland  

Growth Rate: Fast Growing, Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen, Hardiness - Frost: Frost Hardy, Plant Type: Shrub - Small, Position: Semi-shade, Position: Sun - Full, Soil: Loamy - Compost rich Soil, Soil: Well-drained, Garden Uses: Container Plant, Garden Uses: Cut Flower, Garden Uses: Local to Gauteng, Garden Uses: Long Flowering, Garden Uses: Small Gardens, Garden Uses: Winter flowering, Hardiness - Drought: Drought Hardy, Flower colour: Blue and shades of purple, Garden type: Grassland Garden, Garden type: Wildlife Garden,

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