Rhodoptera Chapparal Pea (Polygala Chamaebuxus) - 1 Gallon Pot

Rhodoptera Chapparal Pea Polygala chamaebuxus 'Rhodoptera' Common Names: Rhodoptera Chapparal Pea, Creeping Milkwort, Shrubby Milkwort, Purple Milkwort, Boxleaf Milkwort, Ground Milkwort Plant Details USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 6a-8b (9 in cool-summer climates?) Find Your Zone Plant Type: Evergreen Perennial Shrublet Height at Maturity: 8-12" Width at Maturity: 18-24"Spacing: 15-18" for solid grouping or border, 3'+ for space between plants Growth Habit / Form: Creeping, Mounding Growth Rate: Slow Flower Color: Vivid Purple with Yellow Flower Size: .75" Flowering Period: Spring, reblooming through Summer and Fall Flower Type: Sweet Pea Fragrant Flowers: No Foliage Color: Dark Green Fragrant Foliage: No Berries: Yes, in fall Berry Color: Blue-Black Sun Needs: Part Shade to Full Sun Water Needs: Low Soil Type: Clay (amend heavy clay), Loam, Sandy, Silt, rocky Soil Moisture / Drainage: Moist But Well Drained; drought tolerant when established Soil pH: tolerant of anything not overly acidic or basic Maintenance / Care: Low Attracts: Visual Attention, Butterflies, Birds, Pollinators Resistances: Deer, Disease, Humidity, Insect Description Rhodoptera Chapparal Pea, also called Rhodoptera Shrubby Milkwort, is a little spreading shrublet adored for both its foliage and flowers. Its dense, boxwood-like, dark green glossy leaves form a ground-hugging evergreen carpet to maybe 10 or 12 inches tall and up to 2 feet wide. In spring, abundant, unique pea-like vivid purple and yellow bicolor flowers adorn the plant and rebloom lighter throughout summer and fall. Thriving in sun or part shade and most any type of well-drained soil, it is a nice addition as an accent in small garden spaces and containers or in a grouping or as a border in larger garden beds. It looks right at home in the rock garden or near a boulder. Sure to be a conversation piece. The Genus name comes from the Greek words "polys" meaning "much" and "gala" meaning "milk," in reference to a belief dating back to the medieval era that ingestion of plant leaves by certain nursing mammals resulted in increased milk production, hence milkwort in one of the plants common names. Landscape & Garden Uses Growing 8 to 12 inches tall and up to 24 inches wide, Rhodoptera Chaparal Pea is ideal for use as an accent in small garden spaces and containers or in groupings in large garden beds. Nice in low borders along paths and walkways and a fine addition to rock gardens, purple theme gardens, butterfly gardens and the Xeriscape (low water needs). Suggested Spacing: 15 to 18 inches apart for groupings; 3 feet or more apart for space between plants Growing Preferences Rhodoptera Chapparal Pea is very easy to grow in most any moist but well-drained soil of average fertility and full sun or part shade. When established it is quite drought tolerant but will appreciate an occasional drink during extended dry periods. Keep an eye on plants growing in containers and provide water if you see the foliage begin to wilt or discolor. Feed in spring and again in early summer with a slow-release flower food or natural or organic plant food. Plant Long & Prosper! Meet The Wilson Brothers & Staff Questions? Contact Us!