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

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

Cultivation

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

Cultivars

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

References

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  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.