When in bloom, the purple broom (Polygala virgata) resembles a giant purple cloud, with bright fuchsia flowers along the ends of its branches. It is one of the larval hosts for the long-tailed blue butterfly. Despite its moniker as a butterfly bush, though, the plant is most attractive to bees; they are key polinators and are commonly found buzzing around the flowers.
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Distribution of Purple broom
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Habitat of Purple broom
Grassland, Rocky outcrops
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere
Distribution Map of Purple broom
Purple broom is a plant with a native range that spans across the southern region of the African continent. It has also spread to other areas as an introduced species. The places where purple broom has been introduced encompass regions in the southwestern Pacific and the Indian Ocean.
Though the purple broom thrives under continuous exposure to the sun's rays throughout the day, it can also survive in areas with sunlit conditions half of the day. Originating from habitats where consistent sun exposure is the norm, purple broom needs abundant light for healthy growth. Excessive or less light will impair its development.
The best time to transplant purple broom is from the awakening of spring until it flourishes in late spring, as the weather promotes root establishment. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot and ensure minimal root disturbance for a seamless transition.
Purple broom is native to environments where temperatures range between 59 to 95°F (15 to 35°C). It thrives when the temperature is within this range. Given its preference, temperature adjustments may be needed during extreme seasonal changes to ensure its healthy growth.
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Purple broom
Polygala virgata
Also known as: Milkwort, Butterfly-bush
When in bloom, the purple broom (Polygala virgata) resembles a giant purple cloud, with bright fuchsia flowers along the ends of its branches. It is one of the larval hosts for the long-tailed blue butterfly. Despite its moniker as a butterfly bush, though, the plant is most attractive to bees; they are key polinators and are commonly found buzzing around the flowers.
Hardiness Zones
8 to 10
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Key Facts About Purple broom
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Attributes of Purple broom
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb, Shrub
Planting Time
All year round
Plant Height
2 m
Spread
90 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
1.3 cm
Flower Color
Purple
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
15 - 35 ℃
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Distribution of Purple broom
Feedback
Habitat of Purple broom
Grassland, Rocky outcrops
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere
Distribution Map of Purple broom
Purple broom is a plant with a native range that spans across the southern region of the African continent. It has also spread to other areas as an introduced species. The places where purple broom has been introduced encompass regions in the southwestern Pacific and the Indian Ocean.
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
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Lighting
Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor
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Requirements
Full sun
Ideal
Above 6 hours sunlight
Partial sun
Tolerance
About 3-6 hours sunlight
Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness.
Essentials
Though the purple broom thrives under continuous exposure to the sun's rays throughout the day, it can also survive in areas with sunlit conditions half of the day. Originating from habitats where consistent sun exposure is the norm, purple broom needs abundant light for healthy growth. Excessive or less light will impair its development.
Preferred
Tolerable
Unsuitable
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Artificial lighting
Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
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Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth. 1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need. Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft. 2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight. 3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.
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Temperature
Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor
Choose a site here for personalized care tips.
Requirements
Ideal
Tolerable
Unsuitable
Just like people, each plant has its own preferences. Learn about your plants' temperature needs and create a comforting environment for them to flourish. As you care for your plants, your bond with them will deepen. Trust your intuition as you learn about their temperature needs, celebrating the journey you share. Lovingly monitor the temperature around your plants and adjust their environment as needed. A thermometer can be your ally in this heartfelt endeavor. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you explore your plants' temperature needs. Cherish your successes, learn from challenges, and nurture your garden with love, creating a haven that reflects the warmth of your care.
Essentials
Purple broom is native to environments where temperatures range between 59 to 95°F (15 to 35°C). It thrives when the temperature is within this range. Given its preference, temperature adjustments may be needed during extreme seasonal changes to ensure its healthy growth.
Regional wintering strategies
Discover information about plant diseases, toxicity, weed control and more.
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