EVERGREEN
Polygala virgata
FULL SUN
FROST HARDY
MEDIUM WATER REQUIREMENTS
FAST GROWER
ATTRACTS INSECTS
FLOWER COLOUR:
AVERAGE SIZE:
2m x 1m
FLOWERING TIME:
J F M A M J J A S O N D
FRUITING TIME:
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Polygala virgata
DESCRIPTION
Polygala virgata is an erect, evergreen shrub. A single stem is formed at the base of the plant and slender hairless branches occur at the top. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped and light green, approximately 50 mm in length. Deep purple flowers are borne at the ends of branches. The flowers look similar to that of a pea family. Peak flowering time is from September to February. The fruit is a two-celled capsule and the seed is small, black and oval shaped.
6 responses
Hi Gareth
Thanks for visiting Plantbook and for your feedback.
It is normal for Polygala virgata to shed its leaves so you’ve no need to be concerned especially since you’ve noticed new buds on the way.
Scale insects tend to attack distressed plants and feed on the sap with ants appearing shortly after detecting a sweet treat is available. I’d recommend planting your shrub in the ground to ensure it remains healthy. Plants do not enjoy being constrained in a planter as there is limited supply of nutrients, water and a lack of root interactions with other plants. Yes, plants communicate with each other through their root networks! If you’re unable to plant it in the ground, then consider a larger container as an interim measure. But ideally, your Polygala virgata will thrive in the ground.
Flourish!
Glenice
Hi there,
My small Polygala virgata has dropped every single one of its leaves and the stalks are now completely bare. Is this to be expected, or do you think it might it be dying? It seems to have new growth/buds on the way at the tips of some of the stalks (very small at the moment, barely noticeable). I have had a problem with ants cultivating scale insects on the stems. It is in a nursery pot at the moment. Should I maybe attempt to take a few cuttings to ensure I don’t lose the plant entirely?
P.S. Thank you so much for the work you do with this website! It’s such a wonderful resource for South African plant cultivators, and the innumerable photos you have for each entry are such a delight!
Thanks, Mariette
Hope you can add some insight on how the plants have worked in your designs.
Flourish!
Glenice
Thank you so much for this site – it is wonderful. It helps me a lot in my landscape architectural work.
Please keep adding plants.
Hi Warren
Thanks for pointing this out.
We’ve corrected the text.
Flourish!
Glenice
These leaves are definitely not 10mm in length.