Box-Leaved Milkwort

Polygala chamaebuxus `Kimniski', purple and tallow, 10", April-June. A dense, suckering, alpine, dwarf evergreen shrublet that grows only 10" tall but eventually spreads to 24"wide usually forming an impenetrable mat. Prefers cool moist locations, peaty soils and light shade. Thrives in sundappled high canopy conditions. Native to west-central Europe south to Italy and the territory of the former Yugoslavia. Native to sunny alpine regions, primarily in areas of wooded slopes, rocky ridges and higher elevation pastures. Genus name comes from the Greek words "poly" 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. Best in open woodland gardens or part shade areas of rock gardens or border fronts. Ground cover. Evergreen, fragrant. zone5-8
"Milkwort"