Milkwort 'Lillet' Polygala calcarea 'Lillet'
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ABOUT
'Lillet' is a compact mat-forming evergreen perennial to 5cm in height, with small, leathery dark green leaves and short terminal racemes of white-tipped, bright blue flowers 7mm in length from late spring to summer
About this plant
Names
Family
Polygalaceae
Synonyms
Chalk Milkwort, Lillet Milkwort
Common names
Polygala calcarea 'Lillet'.
Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: The Polygala calcarea 'Lillet', commonly known as the Chalk Milkwort, produces flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Low Maintenance: Chalk Milkwort is hardy and requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, the plant has good drought resistance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Ground Cover: Its growth habit helps to cover bare spots in the garden, suppressing weeds and reducing soil erosion.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Chalk Milkwort offers ornamental value with its attractive foliage and flowers, enhancing the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Ecological Support: By providing nectar and habitat, it contributes to the support of local ecosystems.
- Seasonal Interest: The plant blooms from late spring to summer, providing seasonal interest in the garden.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Polygala calcarea 'Lillet', commonly known as Chalk Milkwort, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- In miniature garden or fairy garden designs, Chalk Milkwort's compact size makes it a whimsical addition, mimicking larger plant shapes at a smaller scale.
- The plant can be pressed and included in botanical artwork, either as a standalone specimen or as part of a collage with other pressed plants.
- Chalk Milkwort can be used in educational settings to teach students about plant physiology, particularly how certain species are adapted to calcareous soils.
- Due to its attractive flowers, this plant can be cultivated for use in fresh or dried floral arrangements, providing unique textures and colors.
- Gardeners might use Chalk Milkwort to create living mulches, which help suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature and moisture.
- With creative presentation, Chalk Milkwort can be incorporated into plant-based jewelry, such as terrarium pendants or resin bracelets.
- This species’ dense growth can provide a habitat for small beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Chalk Milkwort seeds can be used as a component in seed bombs for guerrilla gardening, especially in areas with compatible soil types.
- Photographers may use Chalk Milkwort as a subject for macro photography, capturing the intricate details of its flowers and foliage.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The plant Polygala is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant Polygala is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Perseverance: Polygala calcarea, commonly known as the Chalk Milkwort, often grows in rocky, calcareous soils, which symbolizes its ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
- Protection: The dense, mat-forming habit of Chalk Milkwort can symbolize a natural protective barrier, as it often helps prevent soil erosion on chalk landscapes.
- Hope: The vibrant, colorful flowers of the Chalk Milkwort often emerge in the harsh habitats, symbolizing hope and the beauty that arises from perseverance.
Water
The Chalk Milkwort should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Typically, this means watering the plant with about 1 gallon of water every week during the active growing season, depending on the climate and the size of the plant. During the winter months or in cooler climates, reduce watering to every other week or when the soil feels dry to the touch. It's important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Light
Chalk Milkwort thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It should be placed in a spot where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, but can be protected during the hottest part of the afternoon if necessary. An east or west-facing location with bright, indirect light can also be suitable for encouraging flowering.
Temperature
Chalk Milkwort prefers moderate temperatures and can handle a range between 50°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures of about 40°F, but should be protected from frost. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 60°F and 70°F.
Pruning
Prune the Chalk Milkwort to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Light pruning can be done in early spring or after the plant has finished flowering. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and trim back up to one-third of the plant's size to promote fresh growth. Pruning is typically needed once a year.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Chalk Milkwort requires a well-draining soil mix with a pH of 7.0-7.5. A suitable blend can be made with equal parts of garden soil, coarse sand, and peat, ensuring good aeration and drainage for the roots.
Repotting
Chalk Milkwort does not need frequent repotting; it should be done every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its container, to provide fresh nutrients and encourage growth.
Humidity & Misting
Chalk Milkwort prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. It does not require any specific humidity adjustments when grown in typical household conditions.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light, minimal water, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, use well-draining alkaline soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycle
The life of the Chalk Milkwort (Polygala calcarea 'Lillet') begins with seed germination, which typically occurs in spring when temperatures are suitable for growth. After sprouting, the seedling stage involves the development of roots and the first few leaves, allowing the plant to undergo photosynthesis and grow. Following this, the vegetative stage is characterized by the growth of stems, leaves, and root systems, as the plant matures and becomes more robust. The reproductive stage is marked by the production of vibrant flowers, usually from late spring to early summer, enabling pollination by insects. Once pollinated, the plant sets seeds that mature by late summer, completing its reproductive cycle. The plant then enters dormancy during the colder months, reducing its metabolic activity to survive winter, and re-emerges in the following spring to repeat the cycle.
Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Polygala calcarea 'Lillet', commonly known as the Chalk Milkwort, is often propagated from seed. The best time to sow seeds is in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed up. To propagate by seed, one must first sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix, covering them lightly with soil as they need light to germinate. It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination can be slow and irregular, sometimes taking several weeks to a few months. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be carefully transplanted into individual pots and grown on until they are ready to be planted out in their permanent positions.