The Myrtle Leaf Milkwort (Polygala myrtifolia) is a flowering and ornamental plant with a woody texture, native to the Eastern Cape in South Africa. Its branching is erect and branched, and it can reach up to 5.9 feet (1.8 meters) in height if left to grow freely. It has a rounded appearance, with leafy branches from the base of the plant. The leaves are alternate, leathery, oblong, and can be light green, dark green, or bluish-gray, resembling the leaves of the myrtle.
In subtropical to temperate climates, its flowering begins in spring, recurring in autumn. However, in warmer climates, its flowering can persist throughout the year. The inflorescences are the main attraction of this shrub. They are terminal, in small racemes with three-petaled flowers, two lateral and one central with a crest, giving the ensemble a butterfly shape. They can be pink, purple, or white, depending on the cultivar. The flowering is very attractive to pollinating insects. The subsequent fruit is a brown and ovoid capsule, winged and with a single seed.
In the garden, the Myrtle Leaf Milkwort adds a delicate texture, with an interesting contrast between the foliage and the flowers. Moreover, its flowering period is quite long, making it a preferred shrub for various situations. It should be considered as an informal, loose shrub, suitable for hedges, borders, groups, combinations with other species, or even as a standalone feature.
Versatile, it can fit into different garden styles, especially those with Mediterranean or rocky inspirations. It can also be planted in pots and planters to decorate patios, balconies, and terraces.
The Myrtle Leaf Milkwort should be grown in full sun or partial shade, in fertile, well-drained soil, enriched with organic matter, and watered during the first few months of implementation. It is a very hardy plant with low requirements, tolerating short droughts and subtropical cold, subject to light frosts. It is also suitable for coastal regions as it adapts well to sea spray and soil salinity.
Despite thriving in partial shade, the species is denser, leafier, and more floriferous in full sun. Avoid areas prone to flooding, which can cause root rot in the Myrtle-leaf Milkwort. It accepts light pruning, which should be done after flowering to maintain shape and facilitate light penetration to the center of the plant. Propagation is easily done through seeds and tip cuttings, rooted in autumn (in greenhouses), or in spring.
