Polygonatum mengtzense f. tonkinense

Save a plant

Where do you want to save Polygonatum mengtzense f. tonkinense?

Plants I own
Wishlist
Go to My Plants
Herbaceous Perennial
Buy this from Plant Nurseries
2 Suppliers

A species of rhizomatous evergreen perennial to around 40cm in height, with thick, slender, purple-flushed olive-green foliage and bright purple arching stems. Clusters of small, bell-shaped, purple-red flowers appear in the leaf axils in late spring, followed by red fruits which remain over a long period of time

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years

Growing Conditions

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

Position

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

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
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
China to Vietnam

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any fertile, humus-rich moist but well-drained soil, preferably in part shade but will tolerate full shade

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • 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