Polygonatum multiflorum. Solomons Seal
This easily grown, popular plant is excellent for a wide variety of places especially in some of those hard to grow places in the garden. It likes sun or shade, any soil conditions and moist or dry areas. Truly a place for all places.
Best in partial shade to show off its 700 mm long arching stems, light green, ribbed leaves and pendulant white bell shaped flowers in clusters of 2 – 7 are up to 50 mm long hanging from each leaf axil it is very attractive in spring. Flowers are followed by black berries although it has been noted by some people that the berries do not occur in NZ however black berries have been observed.
It is deciduous turning a lovely golden yellow as it dies down in late autumn. Fresh stems grow again in spring.
Growing from a thick, rhizomatous, fleshy root just below the soil surface it sends down thin strong roots to anchor it to the ground and explore for water and nutrients. Little else grows with it. It can easily be propagated by lifting and dividing the roots up and replanting.
Varieties
Polygonatum multiflorum ‘Variegatum’ Variegated leaf form which has the added attraction of red markings on the stems.
There is record of a double flowered form being available
Best in partial shade to show off its 700 mm long arching stems, light green, ribbed leaves and pendulant white bell shaped flowers in clusters of 2 – 7 are up to 50 mm long hanging from each leaf axil it is very attractive in spring. Flowers are followed by black berries although it has been noted by some people that the berries do not occur in NZ however black berries have been observed.
It is deciduous turning a lovely golden yellow as it dies down in late autumn. Fresh stems grow again in spring.
Growing from a thick, rhizomatous, fleshy root just below the soil surface it sends down thin strong roots to anchor it to the ground and explore for water and nutrients. Little else grows with it. It can easily be propagated by lifting and dividing the roots up and replanting.
Varieties
Polygonatum multiflorum ‘Variegatum’ Variegated leaf form which has the added attraction of red markings on the stems.
There is record of a double flowered form being available