Butterfly shrub – Polygala Myrtifolia

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Him butterfly shrub It is a flourishing and ornamental plant, of woody consistency, originally from the eastern end, in South Africa.

Its branches are erected and branched and, if they are authorized to grow freely, they can reach up to 1.8 meters high.

Scientific name: Polygala Myrtifolia
Popular names: butterfly shrubPolygal
Family: Inch
Category: Shrubs, hedges, flowers, perennial flowers.
Climate: Mediterranean, oceanic, subtropical, tropical
Origen: Africa, South Africa
Height: From 0.6 to 1.8 meters
Incandescent: Half shadow, sun.
Vital cycle: Perennial plants

Information on butterflies or poligala bush

Him butterfly shrub or Lung It is an ornamental plant that belongs to the family Polygalaceae. This plant is known for its spectacular flowering and its ability to attract butterflies, hence its common name. There are several species within the genre LungBut the most popular are those who are cultivated for their colorful flowers and their easy maintenance.

Features of the butterfly red (Polygala)

1. Flowering: He Lung It produces small but very attractive flowers, which can vary in color from purple and pink to white and yellow, depending on the species. The flowers have a peculiar shape, with petals that resemble the wings of a butterfly, which makes this plant visually surprising. Flowering usually occurs during spring and summer and some species can continue to thrive all year in hot climates throughout the year.
2. Habit of growth: The butterfly bush can grow like a compact bush or as a screw plant, depending on the species. Its branches are read or lignified and their foliage is of simple leaves, the dark green already often slightly the leather. Some species can reach up to 1.5 meters high.
3. Aroma: Although not all species of Lung They have a strong aroma, some emit a soft and pleasant fragrance, which makes them even more attractive to the gardens and the landscape.

Cultivation conditions

1. Luz: He Lung Thrives in sunny or partial light. You need at least 4-6 hours of direct sun to have good flowering. In some places with an excessive shadow, it may not prosper optimally.
2. Flooring: Prefers well -drained, light and a little acidic soils, although it can adapt to a wide variety of land. It is important to avoid flooded soils, as this can cause the rot of the roots.
3. Irrigation: The butterfly bush has a moderate drought resistance once established, but it must be regularly watered during periods of active growth, especially in hot climates. However, excessive irrigation can cause problems, so adequate drainage is recommended.
4. Temperature: It is a resistant plant that adapts well to heated climates. The most common species of Lung They are quite tolerant of light frost, but they do not resist extremely cold temperatures. In cold winter areas, it is better to grow as annual plants or protect them in winter.

Bush of Arcutofalla USA

1. Attractive fauna: One of the reasons why Lung It is so popular in the gardens is its ability to attract butterflies and bees, which are attracted to their flowers. This makes it an excellent plant for pollinating gardens and ecological landscape.
2. Decoration of the gardens: The butterfly bush is ideal for use as a on -board plant, low or even in pots. Its colorful foliage and vibrant flowering make it an excellent option to add visual interest in the garden.
3. ORNAMENTAL DRIGHT: In addition to its beauty, some species of Lung They have a compact shape and are resistant, which makes them perfect for the use of ornamental plants in the gardens and low maintenance landscapes.

• It has a rounded appearance, with leafy branches from the base of the plant.
• The leaves are alternatives, leathery, light green, dark green or bluish gray, reminiscent of myrtle leaves.
• In subtropical climbing climates, flowering begins in spring and is repeated in the autumn.
• In the hot station, flowering can last all year.

How to grow a butterfly bush

• It should be cultivated in full sun or partial shadow, on fertile soil, with a good drainage, enriched with organic substance and watering in the first months of installation.
• It is a very rustic and low plant, tolerant of short -term drought and subtropical colds, subject to light frost.
• It is also suitable for coastal regions, since it adapts well to the saline fog and the salinity of the soil.
• Although it grows in the partial shadow, the species becomes dense, leafy and blooms in full sun. Avoid flooding places, which could make the butterfly rot.
• Accepts light pruning, which must be done after flowering and aims to maintain shape and promote lighting in the center of the plant.
• It is easily multiplied by seeds and cuttings, which take root in autumn (in greenhouses) or in spring.

Poligala landscape

• In the garden, the butterfly shrub Add a delicate plot, with an interesting contrast between foliage and flowers. Flowering is quite long, which makes it an ideal shrub for various situations.
• You must think about it as an informal and dissolved bush, which can work in hedges, edges, groups, groups with other species and even alone.
• Versatile, it adapts to different garden styles, in particular those of Mediterranean or rocky inspiration.
• It can also be planted in vases and gardeners to decorate patio, balconies, terraces and terraces.
• Despite the name «butterfly», keep in mind that this shrub is not a «guest plant» for butterflies because it does not favor the reproduction or life cycle of butterflies.
• The caterpillars do not feed on butterfly shrubs. In addition, it provides nectar only to adult butterflies, then learn to plant a shrub for butterfly.
• If you have a butterfly shrub, be sure to add native guest plants such as Algodoncillo, RSTER and Dill if you want butterflies to remain.

Learn to plant butterfly bushes.

Paso 1:

The butterfly bush needs full sun and fertile and well -drained soil. Also, raised in spring or autumn before frost. See local frost dates.

Paso 2:

Loosen the earth, mix the fertilizer and dig a hole twice the diameter of the plant container.

Paso 3:

When positioning the plant in the hole, the upper part of the cepelón must be at the level of the soil surface, then learn to plant a butterfly shrub.

Paso 4:

Separate the plants at a distance from 5 to 10 feet, depending on the variety. Even water abundantly.