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September Bush
Polygala myrtifolia
SA tree no: 302.1
English: September Bush, Sweet Pea Bush, Myrtle-leaf Milkwort, Butterfly Bush, Cape Milkwort
Afrikaans: Septemberbossie, Augustusbossie, Augustusbos, Blouertjie, Langelede, Bloukappie, Treurbos, Slangebos
Xhosa: ulopesi, ulapesi, umabalabala
Zulu: uchwasha
Historical scientific names: Polygala oppositifolia, Polygala grandiflora, Polygala pinifolia
Polygala myrtifolia, commonly known as September Bush or Myrtle-leaf Milkwort, is a widely distributed and highly adaptable indigenous evergreen shrub or small tree native to various biomes across South Africa. This charming plant is celebrated for its abundant and attractive pea-like flowers, which typically range in colour from vibrant pink to purple-magenta, often with a distinctive brush-like tuft of lighter-coloured petals. Its long flowering season, resilience, and dense growth habit make it a popular and valuable addition to both fynbos and general gardens, providing consistent colour and attracting pollinators.
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Distinguishing features
An evergreen shrub or small tree with a dense, bushy, and often upright growth habit.
Produces numerous pea-like flowers in terminal clusters, typically bright pink to purple-magenta, often with a prominent lighter-coloured (white or yellow-green) fringed keel or tuft.
Leaves are small, oval to elliptic, glossy green, and resemble those of a myrtle (Myrtus communis).
Has a long and prolific flowering season, often blooming for many months.
The flowers are distinctive and unique in shape, not resembling typical pea flowers despite being in the same family.
Overall appearance:
Polygala myrtifolia forms a neat, compact to upright shrub, covered in small, glossy green leaves. When in bloom, it presents a spectacular display of vibrant pink-purple flowers, creating a soft, colourful haze that attracts immediate attention and provides continuous beauty in the garden.
Height:
Typically grows 1 to 3 metres tall, but can reach up to 4 metres in ideal conditions. Dwarf cultivars are also available, growing less than 1 metre.
Width:
Forms a dense, rounded bush, usually 1 to 2 metres wide.
Leaves:
Simple, alternate, but often appearing opposite or clustered on the stems, giving a dense appearance.
Shape is ovate to elliptic or obovate, 1–5 cm long.
They are glossy bright green, leathery, and have entire (smooth) margins.
Resemble the leaves of a common myrtle, hence the species name 'myrtifolia'.
Flowers:
Distinctive, pea-like but not bilaterally symmetrical in the typical legume way. They have a unique morphology.
Small, 1–2 cm long, borne in dense terminal racemes (clusters).
Colour is typically vibrant pink to purple-magenta, with two large wing petals and a prominent, fringed, often lighter-coloured (white or yellow-green) 'crest' or 'brush' on the lower keel petal.
Attracts bees and other insects.
Flowering season:
Flowers almost continuously, with peak blooming from late winter to spring (July to November), and often sporadically throughout the rest of the year, particularly in mild climates. Its peak flowering in September gives it the common name "September Bush."
Fruits:
Small, flattened, two-lobed, winged capsules, typically heart-shaped or oblong, about 0.5–1 cm long.
Ripen from green to light brown.
Seeds:
Small, oval, black, and hairy, often with a small appendage (aril) that may attract ants for dispersal.
Bark:
Smooth and greyish-brown on younger stems, becoming rougher and fissured with age.
Stems:
Multiple slender, often upright stems, branching to form a dense, rounded shrub. Young stems are smooth and sometimes purplish.
Wood:
The wood is relatively soft.
Roots:
Possesses a fibrous root system that is generally non-invasive.
Soil type:
Highly adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soils, including sandy, loamy, and even rocky soils. It tolerates poor soil fertility and prefers neutral to slightly acidic pH. Good drainage is essential.
Aspect:
Thrives in full sun for best flowering but can tolerate partial shade, though flowering may be reduced. It is moderately drought-tolerant once established and can withstand light to moderate frost, especially if planted in a sheltered position. It is also very tolerant of coastal conditions, including salt spray and wind.
Edibility:
Not typically consumed as food.
Toxicity:
Generally considered non-toxic to humans and animals. Some sources mention that the roots have saponin-like compounds, but no significant toxicity from casual contact or ingestion of leaves/flowers is reported.
Uses:
Ornamental Plant: A very popular and versatile garden plant due to its long flowering season, vibrant colour, and adaptability. Ideal for hedges, screens, mixed borders, fynbos gardens, rockeries, and containers.
Hedge/Screening: Its dense growth and ability to withstand pruning make it an excellent choice for informal or formal hedges and privacy screens.
Pioneer Plant: Due to its hardiness and adaptability, it is an effective pioneer plant for rehabilitating disturbed areas.
Pollinator Attractor: Its abundant flowers attract bees and other insects, contributing to garden biodiversity.
Coastal Gardens: Highly recommended for coastal areas due to its tolerance of wind and salt spray.
Traditional Uses: In traditional medicine, infusions of the leaves and roots have been used for various ailments, including respiratory problems, rheumatism, and as a blood purifier.
Ecology:
Pollination: The unique structure and bright colours of the flowers attract generalist insect pollinators, particularly bees.
Seed Dispersal: The winged capsules and hairy seeds are adapted for wind dispersal. Ants may also play a role due to the aril on some seeds.
Habitat: Contributes to the structural diversity and floral display of its natural fynbos, bushveld, and coastal bush habitats.
Distribution and habitat:
Polygala myrtifolia is one of the most widespread Polygala species in South Africa.
South African Provinces: Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Western Cape. Also found in Namibia.
Habitat: Occurs in a diverse range of habitats, including fynbos, coastal dunes and bush, forest margins, grasslands, and rocky slopes. It is often found in disturbed areas and along roadsides, indicating its colonising ability.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Polygala is derived from the Greek words 'polys' meaning "much" or "many," and 'gala' meaning "milk." This refers to the belief that some species increased milk production in lactating animals (though this is not scientifically proven for all species).
The species epithet myrtifolia is Latin for "myrtle-leaved," referring to the resemblance of its leaves to those of the common myrtle (Myrtus communis).
The common name "September Bush" refers to its peak flowering season.
Historical aspects:
Polygala myrtifolia has been cultivated in gardens worldwide for centuries due to its attractive flowers and extended blooming period. It was one of the early South African plants to be introduced to Europe. Its hardiness and beauty have ensured its continued popularity in horticulture, and it is a staple in many water-wise and indigenous gardens.
Interesting facts
This "September Bush" is a flowering machine, often covered in vibrant pink-purple blossoms for most of the year, making it a garden superstar for continuous colour!
Its small flowers might look simple, but take a closer look: they have a charming little "tuft" or "brush" of lighter petals, almost like a tiny crown!
Despite its delicate appearance, it's a tough survivor, thriving in diverse habitats from coastal dunes battered by wind and salt to dry inland slopes.
Growing tips
Propagation: Easily propagated from seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. Sow seeds in autumn or spring. Cuttings root readily, especially with rooting hormone.
Planting: Plant in full sun for best flowering, though it tolerates partial shade. Requires well-drained soil. It is adaptable to various soil types.
Watering: Water regularly when young to establish. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant. In very dry conditions or during prolonged drought, occasional deep watering will be beneficial.
Frost: Tolerates light to moderate frost. In very cold areas, it might be damaged but usually recovers from the base in spring. Plant in a sheltered spot if severe frost is common.
Maintenance: Low maintenance. Prune lightly after a flush of flowers to maintain a compact shape and encourage denser growth and more blooms. It responds very well to pruning and can be shaped into formal hedges.
Pests/Diseases: Generally robust and pest-free.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
Common name
Scientific Name
Plant type:
Plant type
Plant family:
Polygalaceae (Greek and Latin plant name) - Order: Fabales