Polygala chamaebuxus

Dense carpet of small, pointed evergreen foliage 2-3” tall, slowly spreading to 2’…literally covered with bright bi-colored electric yellow and white lipped flowers starting as early as mid January and as late as April. The flowers gain a red-orange hue as they age. Stunning queen of the early garden for us. Needs well drained soil (good in the rockery), sun to light shade…prefers cool peaty soil and dislikes heat. In alpine meadows, cows grazing on this subshrub reputedly have increased milk productivity (breast feeding moms, do not try this at home).