Polygala calcarea

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

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

Cultivation

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

Cultivars

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

References