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Herbaceous Perennial

Polygonatum × hybridum
  • RHS AGM

garden Solomon's seal

A perennial with slightly arching stems to 1.2m, bearing ovate leaves and small axillary clusters of nodding, tubular creamy-white flowers tipped with green, appearing in late spring, and followed by black berries

Other common names
Solomon's seal
Synonyms
Polygonatum multiflorum misapplied

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Cream White Green
Summer Green Black
Autumn Green Black
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and and other protective equipment when handling
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

How to grow

Cultivation

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

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring taking care not to damage young brittle shoots

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Cut back to the base in late autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and solomon's seal sawfly

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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