Polygata chamaebuxus var. grandiflora “Kamniski”

Shrubby Milkwort
Polygala chamaebuxus var. grandiflora “Kamniski”
Type: Evergreen Shrub
Exposure: Sun / Part Shade
Water: Regular

Yet another entry in the “why-would-you-name-it-that” category…

This tiny shrub from the mountains of central Europe is grown primarily for its showy flowers that sort of resemble sweet peas, with a bright yellow center surrounded by rosy-purple petals. To some, the blooms smell of candle wax. The boxwood-like, evergreen foliage seldom reaches higher than 4in (10cm), but will spread out by way of underground stems to a width of 1ft (30cm). Actually, the name comes from the old folk belief that cows that grazed on it would increase their milk production. For this same reason, wet nurses also used to use a tonic made from the plant (It doesn’t actually work for either). It blooms in late winter to early spring, and will sometimes bloom again in summer.

Cheers,

John