Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All.

RHS Plant Profile
common Solomon's seal
common Solomon's seal John Fielding

Other common names

David's harp, fraxinell, lady's signet, lily of the mountain, many-flowered Solomon's seal, ladder to heaven, lady's seal, white root, sêl Solomon

Herbaceous Perennial

A rhizomatous perennial, with arching stems to 90cm high, bearing ovate, lance-shaped leaves, 5-15cm long and arranged alternatively. In late spring 2-6 pendant tubular green-tipped white flowers 1cm long, are produced in the lower leaf axils and followed by round black fruit

Position

Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets if eaten (dogs) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Polygonatum are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with erect or arching stems bearing glossy, elliptic leaves and pendent, tubular or bell-shaped flowers, sometimes followed by black or red berries
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe to Caucasus

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, partial shade or full shade

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut down to ground level in late autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and solomon's seal sawfly

Diseases

Generally disease-free