Polygaloides paucifolia (fringed polygala)

Polygaloides spp.

milkwort

Polygalaceae Europe and Eastern North America

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunPart Shade – Full Sun

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 4–7

Overview

Polygaloides spp. is a small genus of low, often evergreen subshrubs and creeping perennials in the milkwort family (Polygalaceae), segregated from Polygala spp.. Its members grow in Europe and in eastern North America, on mountain slopes, in open woodland, and in acidic heath. Plants are dwarf, 4-10 in (10-25 cm) tall, spreading by creeping stems or rhizomes into low patches, with small, leathery or thin leaves. The flowers are the main feature: irregular and pea-like, built from coloured sepals and a fringed, tubular keel petal, in combinations of yellow, white, cream, rose-pink, and purple. Polygaloides chamaebuxus of the European Alps is an evergreen subshrub with cream-and-yellow flowers, while Polygaloides paucifolia of North American woods bears rose-purple flowers and is known as fringed polygala or gaywings. Bloom comes mainly in spring. The genus needs cool, moist but sharply drained, acidic ground and resents heat and lime; a limitation is its slow establishment and dislike of disturbance once settled.

Native Range

Polygaloides spp. occurs in Europe, especially the Alps and other mountain ranges, and in eastern North America from Canada south through the Appalachians. Plants grow in coniferous and mixed woodland, on heath, and on stony mountain slopes in acidic soils.

Suggested Uses

Grown in rock gardens, raised acidic beds, troughs, alpine houses, and shaded woodland borders. The low, flowering mats suit planting among dwarf conifers and ericaceous shrubs. The North American species is used in native woodland plantings.

How to Identify

Identify Polygaloides spp. by its low, spreading growth and small irregular flowers in which two enlarged coloured sepals flank a tubular keel petal tipped with a fringe. Flower colour combines yellow, cream, pink, or purple depending on species. The European Polygaloides chamaebuxus keeps small evergreen box-like leaves, while the woodland Polygaloides paucifolia dies back through winter.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4" - 10"

Width/Spread8" - 1'4"

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring

Flowering is concentrated in spring, around April to June, with the European species sometimes opening a few flowers again in late summer. The fringed, two-lipped flowers last well and are carried near the stem tips. Bloom is heaviest after a cool, moist winter.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow, cream, pink, or purple

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Sun

Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 6.0(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years to spread

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Polygaloides spp. grows in part shade to full sun in cool, humus-rich, gritty soil that stays moist yet drains sharply, at an acidic pH of about 4.5 to 6.0. Lime, heat, and waterlogging all check the plants, so a north slope or woodland edge suits them. Watering is needed in dry spells, with rainwater used where the supply is hard. The hardier forms tolerate USDA zones 4 to 7. Plants spread slowly and are propagated by careful division, cuttings, or seed. They resent root disturbance and may take a season or two to settle after planting.

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. A light trim of the evergreen species after the main flush keeps them compact, and untidy or frost-damaged shoots are removed in spring. The herbaceous species are simply cleared of dead growth as it dies back.

Pruning Schedule

summer