Polygala calcarea

(Redirected from Chalk Milkwort)

Polygala calcarea, the chalk milkwort, is a species of flowering plant in the family Polygalaceae, native to western Europe. It is a delicate mat-forming evergreen perennial growing to 5 cm (2 in) tall by 20 cm (8 in) broad, with spikes of small, vivid deep blue flowers in spring, and leathery, oval leaves.[1]

Polygala calcarea
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Polygalaceae
Genus: Polygala
Species:
P. calcarea
Binomial name
Polygala calcarea

Etymology

edit

The specific epithet calcarea means "growing in lime", though this plant will grow in a range of soils.[2]

Cultivation

edit

It prefers sharply drained conditions, and is suitable for cultivation in an alpine garden.

Cultivars

edit

The cultivar 'Lillet' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3][4]

References

edit
  1. ^ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
  2. ^ Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. p. 224. ISBN 9781845337315.
  3. ^ "RHS Plantfinder - Polygala calcarea 'Lillet'". Retrieved 7 May 2018.
  4. ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 80. Retrieved 7 May 2018.