About Polygaloides chamaebuxus (L.) O.Schwarz
This species, Polygaloides chamaebuxus (L.) O.Schwarz, produces flowers that are solitary or paired within leaf axils. The inner two sepals, called wings, are upright and range in color from white to yellow, and sometimes may be pinkish or purple. Its keel petals are bright yellow when new, turning brownish-red or purple as they age. The species is native to the Alps, as well as the mountain regions of west-central and southern Europe. It has been cultivated in gardens since around 1658, when it was illustrated by Carolus Clusius. It holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, and several cultivars are grown for ornamental garden use. One common cultivar is 'Grandiflora', which bears purple-red and yellow flowers. Hardy plants of this species form low-lying clumps that reach up to 15 cm (6 inches) in height, and up to 51 cm (20 inches) in diameter. They can be propagated from softwood cuttings collected early in the growing season, and some varieties grow best in ericaceous growing conditions.
