Description
Polygonatum – Solomon’s Seal –
There are about 50 species of rhizomatous perennial in this genus. They occur in woodlands in temperate regions of Eurasia and North America. They are grown for their foliage and flowers, they have usually arching stems and alternate, opposite, or whorled, linear to broadly elliptic or ovate, parallel-veined leaves that turn yellow in autumn. Mostly pendent, sometimes erect, tubular to bell shaped, mainly white or cream, occasionally purple-pink flowers, with green markings, are either solitary or borne in small cluster, often along the lower sides of the stems. Flowers are usually followed by berry like, spherical, red or black fruits. Solomon’s Seals are suitable for a shady mixed or herbaceous border, or for a woodland or rock garden. All parts may cause mild stomach upset if ingested.
Grow in fertile, humus rich, moist but well drained soil in full or partial shade. Cut back to the rhizome in fall. Divide in spring.
Prone to slugs, and sawfly larvae.
P. verticillatum – Whorled Solomon’s Seal – This rhizomatous perennial from Europe, the Caucasus and Afghanistan grows 8-36″ tall and 10″ wide. From erect, slightly angular, hairless stems it carries stalkless, mainly whorled, sometimes opposite, lance shaped leaves, 2 ½-6″ long. From late spring to mid summer it bears 1-4 pendent, tubular, greenish white flowers, to ½” long. Flowers are followed by spherical red fruit, 1/4″ across.
Zones 5-8
