Many new plants have come onto the market in the last year. However, they usually need testing over a few years to know if they perform well in the garden. Polygala ‘Fairy Lights’ is a new and unproven variety, which looks very interesting.
Plant Details
Common name: Fairy Lights
Botanic name: Polygala chamaebuxus var. grandiflora ‘Fairy Lights’
Description: Fairy Lights is a dwarf variety of Polygala, and is claimed to grow to about 15cm (6″). It is sold as a sturdy evergreen plant, which is frost tolerant and grows in sun or shade. It is also claimed to grow on the coast. This variety of Polygala has pea flowers with a yellow keel and mauve flower wings.
Climate: Fairy Lights should grow well in many parts of Australia as it will grow on the coast, and will tolerate some frost and sun. Given that this shrub is native to alpine Europe it is not expected to be suitable for the tropical parts of Australia.
Downside:
- is new and unproven
Good points:
- lovely small plant
- claimed to grow in most areas
- has a sweet fragrance
- bears masses of flowers during late autumn to early spring
Uses:
- suitable for rock gardens
- looks good in pots
Care:
- will tolerate frost but not long periods of burning heat
- prefers some shade in hot climates such as Perth and Adelaide
- prefers a well-drained soil
- fertilise with a low phosphorus fertiliser
Cost and availability:
Available in NSW and Victorian nurseries now. It will become available in SA, WA and Tasmanian nurseries in the next few weeks. Cost for 15cm (6″) pots is around $8-$10.