POLYGALA myrtifolia 4.5L

Polygala myrtifolia is an evergreen shrub with neat, myrtle-like leaves and showy, pea-shaped purple flowers produced in warm weather, typically through the summer in mild conditions. In Ireland it does best in a warm, very sheltered position with full sun (tolerating light shade) and well-drained, moderately fertile soil. In favourable, sheltered gardens it can reach around 1.5–2m; light trimming after the main flush helps keep it bushy. Being frost tender, it is often safest grown in a container that can be moved to frost-free cover for winter in most parts of Ireland.

To help give a clear sense of scale, the stone wall shown in our photos measures approximately 265cm in height. We also use familiar garden tools as visual references: a digging fork (110cm tall) and a hand fork (30cm tall). These are included purely as size guides to help you better judge proportions when viewing the images.

Position: Full sun; tolerates light shade in shelter

Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile; avoid waterlogging

Hardiness: Frost tender; provide winter protection or grow in a container for frost-free shelter

Plant at a Glance