Polygala Species, Purple Broom

An environmental weed in south and east Australia. Self sows prodigously.

I planted a 1-gal plant in 2010 and while the original plant is gone it has self-seeded gently (including one plant about 120' away!) and...Read More so I still have some. The bare lower stems aren't very attractive, so I'll be planting something at the base of the newest plants, and will also probably stake them, as they tend to lean somewhat.

I picked this plant up at a nursery in Newport Beach, Ca, last fall and it has continually bloomed since then. The bees love it. I have...Read More been so happy with this polygala that I have added grandiflora and petite butterfly to my collection. This plant will bloom in the shade but produces more flowers in full sun. It's great for adding color to those areas which do not receive all-day sun. The virgata does tend to shed lower leaves and displays multiple bare branches beneath the abundant flowers and leaves. I like the look but for those that don't, it is recommended to propagate with cuttings in the ground beneath for a "fuller" look. This plant also reseeds (I have not seen any new growth yet but that could be because mine is potted).