Polygala


Photo: SA DWLBC		Polygala Polygala myrtifolia Trees and Shrubs South Australia Region

	This South African shrub to 2 m high is widely naturalised across southern Australia and has become invasive in coastal areas. These shrubs are most readily recognised by their mauve-purple, pea-shaped flowers produced throughout most of the year, predominantly during spring. Flowers develop two-celled flattened seed capsules that ripen from green to papery brown. Whilst the plainer form with greenish lower petals is frequently observed as weedy, the showier cultivar 'Grandiflora' with larger flowers and purple lower petals has also been observed readily spreading from plantings.

HOW IT SPREADS Seeds are spread by water, birds, ants, dumped garden waste, and even equipment used at the beach, such as surfboards and towels. The seeds are long lived and can germinate in heavy shade. Germination usually takes place in autumn, but it can happen at any time providing sufficient moisture is available.





Other suggested alternatives are Native Hibiscus (Alyogyne huegelii), Hebe species and Honey-myrtle (Melaleuca nesophila 'Little Nessie').

Alternative Plants


Photo: John Zwar		Cocky's tongue Templetonia retusa Trees and Shrubs

	A highly ornamental and hardy foliage plant indigenous to much of South Australia. Cocky's tongue grows 1 to 2m tall by 2 to 3m wide and can be used as a background plant in wider verges or grouped as an informal hedge or barrier. Prune to promote bushier growth or shape to form a hedge. Requires well-drained soils and is suitable for coastal areas. Will grow in most soil types and requires minimal supplementary watering. Cocky's tongue attracts nectar eating birds and native butterflies.

Photo: Greenhills Propagation Nursery		Dazzler Polygala dalmaisiana 'Dazzler' Trees and Shrubs

	This non-invasive form of Polygala is an ideal alternative to the invasive species. It is a delightful compact small shrub that grows 1.5 m high by 1 m wide with striking purple pea flowers for most of the year. Grown best in full-sun to part-shade.

Photo: Gondwana Landscapes & Consultancy and State Flora		Emu Bush Eremophila glabra, E. maculata and cultivars Trees and Shrubs

	A highly ornamental and hardy ground cover for verges and embankments. Low-growing mounding forms can be used as a living mulch to supress weeds and stabilise soil whilst the taller forms can be used as a hedge or windbreak. Eremophilas require good drainage and are drought and fire tolerant. Cultivars are available in a variety of flower colours. The tubular flowers attract native nectar eating birds and insects from spring through to autumn. Responds well to pruning to maintain dense growth. Popular cultivars include 'Apricot Delight'.

Photo: John Virtue		Geraldton Wax Chamelaucium uncinatum Trees and Shrubs

	A small to medium native shrub from Western Australia reaching 1.5–2 m high with linear, narrow highly aromatic leaves up to 4 cm long. The small, pale pink flowers occur profusely in spring through to summer and darken as they age. A highly recommended cut flower, it can be picked in bud or at the full flowering stage. Several colour forms are available including 'Alba'; white, 'Purple Pride'; purple and 'University'; purplered.

Photo: Botanic Gardens of South Australia		Rock rose Cistus x purpureus 'Brilliancy' Trees and Shrubs

	A hardy, 1.2m tall ornamental shrub, the rock rose makes an ornamental mid-level contrast plant in mixed plantings. It tolerates a variety of locations including coastal locations and tolerates periods of drought. It prefers well-drained soils. Rock roses flower profusely over spring attracting butterflies to the garden. Cistus hybrids and cultivars are available in a range of flower colours and forms.