A clarification about Polygala
Following recent media coverage about Polygala, we'd like to clarify that the varieties supplied by Southern Plants™ [are approved for sale as they] are non-invasive and do not set viable seed. They are distinctly different from the invasive species discussed in the article.
You may have seen the recent ABC News story discussing concerns about Polygala myrtifolia spreading in parts of Australia's coastal environment. A Southern Plants™ product is pictured in that article. We do not grow the straight species Polygala myrtifolia, so we would like to take this opportunity to clarify an important distinction for our customers, retail partners and the gardening community.
Two different plants under one common name
"Polygala" covers several different plants, and they don't all behave the same way. The straight species, Polygala myrtifolia, is native to South Africa. It has naturalised in some coastal areas of southern Australia, where it can spread by seed into bushland and dune systems. That is the plant at the centre of the concerns raised in the article, and those concerns deserve to be taken seriously.
The Polygala varieties supplied by Southern Plants™ are not the straight species. They are horticultural hybrids, selected specifically for their garden performance and their behaviour in the landscape.
The varieties we supply
Polygala myrtifolia × oppositifolia 'Poly Ball' is a hybrid that does not set viable seed. Without viable seed, it cannot spread into surrounding bushland the way the straight species can. It is a compact, rounded shrub valued for its long flowering season and tidy habit.
Polygala × dalmaisiana is a hybrid that is non-invasive. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria's VicFlora specifically identifies the horticultural hybrid Polygala × dalmaisiana as apparently non-invasive.
Both are distinctly different plants from Polygala myrtifolia. Each one is labelled with its full botanical name, so gardeners and retailers can always see exactly which plant they are buying.
How we choose what we grow
Every new line goes through testing and a viability study before it joins our range. Plants that are beautiful but not good for our environment are not added to our ranges. This is a commitment we have held for more than 80 years as a family business on the Mornington Peninsula. It sits at the heart of our promise: Better Plants. Better Planet.
Responsible gardening, wherever you live
Whatever you plant, a few simple habits help protect our natural environment:
Check the botanical name on the plant label, not just the common name.
Take extra care when planting close to bushland, coastal reserves or waterways.
Dispose of garden prunings and green waste through your council collection, never by dumping them in bushland.
Ask your local nursery or council if you're unsure whether a plant suits your area.
Our commitment
We fully support responsible plant selection and the protection of Australia's natural environment. We also believe it is important that distinctions between invasive species and horticultural hybrids are communicated clearly, particularly when individual nursery products are pictured in media coverage.
Southern Plants™ will continue to work with our industry and retail partners. We follow Victorian biosecurity requirements and horticultural best practice. If you have any questions about our Polygala varieties, please contact our team. We're always happy to help.