POLYGALA. Milkwort. A nearly worldwide group of annuals, perennials and shrubs. Their one easily recognizable feature is the structure of the flowers. This includes two prominent winglike segments and a nearly closed tube of stamens, giving them the appearance of little butterflies, or perhaps sweet peas. The following have little else in common.

chamaebuxus ‘Purpurea’. This is a tiny semishrub, resembling a miniature boxwood. It has small, congested, deep green leaves and produces an almost continuous sprinkling of 1/2" blossoms, the “wings” purplish pink, the centers bright yellow. They have the scent of candle wax. It is a charming plant for rock gardens and containers. Best in light shade with well drained soil and moderate watering. Hardy to 10^oF or less.

x dalmaisiana. Sweet pea shrub. A spreading shrub, usually 3-5' tall. It has slender stems lined by pale green, pointed-oval 1" leaves. The flowers are up to 1" broad, colored deep magenta and white. They are sprinkled over the plant most of the year.

myrtifolia ‘Grandiflora’. P. myrtifolia is one of the parents of the much better-known P. x dalmaisiana (above) and in some ways even more ornamental in its own right. ‘Grandiflora’ is just a larger-flowered selection of the same (I have no “normal” plants at hand with which to compare it). It is a round, bushy shrub, ultimately growing about 8’ tall and at least that in width. The leaves are about 2" long, deep green and softly shiny, presenting a lush, tropical look. The flowers are up to 1½” broad and vivid reddish purple in color, borne over nearly as long a season. Hardy to around 20^oF.