Polygaloides chamaebuxus
Polygaloides chamaebuxus · Polygalaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around polygaloides chamaebuxus and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- April to June, pink and white flowers
- Mature size
- 30 to 50 cm tall, compact and spreading habit
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 5-6 (-15 to -10 °C)
- Origin
- Limestone Alps and mountains of central Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, limestone-rich, not too fertile
Care
Watering
Water moderately when planting and during the first year. Once established, Milkwort tolerates drought well and requires only occasional watering. Avoid excess moisture, particularly in winter, which promotes root rot.
Exposure
Place this plant in full sun or partial shade. It prefers generous sunlight for abundant flowering and compact growth. In very hot climates, afternoon shade can be beneficial.
Pruning
After flowering, you can prune lightly to maintain a harmonious and dense shape. Remove dead or damaged wood. This plant naturally requires little pruning; simply remove any unsightly branches.
Soil
Milkwort thrives in limestone-rich, well-drained soil that is poor in organic matter. Improve drainage in mountainous or humid areas by adding gravel or sand. Avoid overly acidic or compacted soils.
Fertilizer
Undemanding, this plant requires little fertilization. A light application of compost on the surface in spring is sufficient. Excess nitrogen can reduce flowering and weaken hardiness.
Diseases and pests
Generally very robust, Milkwort mainly fears root rot in waterlogged soil or very humid climates. Ensure excellent drainage. No major pests or diseases typically affect this plant when grown in appropriate conditions.
Did you know?
Milkwort is well-named: its dense, evergreen foliage resembles that of Boxwood, but it differs botanically since it belongs to the Polygalaceae family. In alpine mountains, this little gem is a sign of the gardener's maturity, as it demands perfect drainage and generous exposure to express its full beauty—a plant that rewards patience and precision.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Common milkwortPolygala vulgaris
- Polygala serpyllifoliaPolygala serpyllifolia
- Tufted milkwortPolygala comosa
- Polygala amarellaPolygala amarella
- Chalk milkwortPolygala calcarea
- Myrtle-leaved milkwortPolygala myrtifolia
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.