Polygala is a genus which covers more than 500 species, all around the world. Polygala is an old Greek name from the words polys meaning much and gala meaning milk, the name given to this genus for some of its members which have the reputation for promoting the secretion of milk at human and some mammals. They include annuals, perennials and some shrubs. Two biggest sepal of pea like flowers are rose purple, petal like and known as wings. The keel terminates in crown –like tuft that is characteristic of polygalas. They need light, well drained soil in a sunny or part shaded spot. They are suitable for pot culture. To keep the growt dence, prune any straggly stems after the main flowering has finished.

Polygala virgata is one of the beautiful species belonging to the Polygalaceae family also commonly known as the milkwort family. This charming slender shrub, bearing spikes of bright purple magenta winged flowers is an eye-catcher in any garden. It has a wide distribution and occurs both in Tropical and East Africa, southwards through Natal, Transvaal, into the Cape as far as George. Growing in the Drakensberg it is found at an altitude of 250 to 1800 m.

Purple Broom is an erect, evergreen shrub and grows to a height of 2,0 to 2,5 m. A single stem is formed at the base of the plant and slender hairless branches occur at the top. The leaves are narrow in shape, dark green with a velvety texture and 10 mm in length. Simple leaves are alternately arranged on younger branches and usually drops before flowering. Racemes of deep purple magenta flowers are borne at the ends of branches. The flowers look similar to that of a pea family Fabaceae, but are different. The flower is enclosed by 2 large purple bonnet-like bracts and streaked with darker veins. These open to show that the flower has a purple tuft of tiny hairs at the top of the lower keeled petal. The outer two petals surround the lowest petal like a bonnet. The fruit is a two-celled capsule and the seed is small, black and oval shaped.

Polygala virgata is a fast growing, hardy shrub and can be grown in any garden in Mediterrenean climate. Once established in the garden will tolerate drought, wind and some frost. With its beautiful sprays of flowers it will be an accent plant in a shrubby garden or rockery. Planted in good enriched soil in a sunny or semi-shade position in the garden. It requires water once established to encourage rapid and healthy growth. The shrub is a buzz with bees, insects and bumblebees attracted to the bright purple magenta flowers.

Purple Broom is a fast growing, hardy shrub and can be grown in any garden in South Africa or in Mediterrenean climate countries. Once established in the garden will tolerate drought, wind and some frost. With its beautiful sprays of flowers it will be an accent plant in a shrubby garden or rockery. Planted in good enriched soil in a sunny or semi-shade position in the garden. It requires water once established to encourage rapid and healthy growth.

The Polygala virgata is self-seeding and small seedlings appear around the parent plant after the first flowering season. These seedlings can be transplanted easily. Individual plants are fairly short-lived, but can be easily replaced with seedlings. Purple Broom is easily grown from seed during autumn to spring.