Polygonatum falcatum (sickle-shaped Solomon's seal) — Perennial

Overview

Polygonatum falcatum is a perennial in the genus Polygonatum, part of the Q134172 family. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Polygonatum falcatum grows best in full shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover and woodland garden. It is native to Japan Korea.

About

Polygonatum falcatum is a perennial in the genus Polygonatum, commonly called sickle-shaped Solomon's seal. It grows to about 0.6 m and flowers from April to June. Native to Japan and Korea, it suits shaded, woodland-style planting and performs as a ground cover. Wear gloves when handling since it is harmful if eaten and toxic to dogs.

About the genus

Polygonatum, also known as King Solomon's-seal, Solomon's seal, or sealwort, is a genus of flowering plants. In the APG III classification system, it is placed in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Convallarioideae. It has also been classified in the former family Convallariaceae and, like many lilioid monocots, was formerly classified in the lily family, Liliaceae.

Wikipedia contributors, "Polygonatum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polygonatum

In the garden

Polygonatum falcatum, often sold as sickle-shaped Solomon's seal or David's Harp, is a shade-preferring perennial native to Japan and Korea. It typically reaches around 0.6 m and produces its flowers in the spring, from April to June. The species belongs to the Polygonatum genus and is valued for planting in shaded, woodland-style schemes. Plant where it will remain in full shade or deep shade and in an area described simply as "shade" exposure. It accepts a wide range of soils — sandy, loamy or clay — provided they are well drained or remain moist but well drained rather than waterlogged. It is rated H7 in the UK (fully hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 4–8, so it withstands cold winters in most British gardens. Use it as a ground cover or within a woodland garden, planting groups where 0.6 m height is appropriate and where shade limits competitors. Take care when handling: wear gloves and other protective equipment, and keep dogs away from the plant because it is harmful if eaten. Allow space for spring flowering (April–June) when siting plants so the display is not obscured by neighbours.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Polygonatum

Sunlight: Full shade
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture: Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Exposure: Shade
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Polygonatum falcatum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Height: 0.6 m
Suggested uses: Groundcover, Woodland garden
Native to: Japan Korea
Toxicity: 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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Polygonatum falcatum

Cultivation: Prefers shaded, moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Tolerates dry shade once established.
Pruning: Remove dead or damaged stems in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation is slow and less common.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Polygonatum falcatum?

Prefers shaded, moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Tolerates dry shade once established.

Where is the best place to plant Polygonatum falcatum?

Polygonatum falcatum prefers full shade. It suits shade positions.

What soil does Polygonatum falcatum need?

Polygonatum falcatum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Polygonatum falcatum?

Remove dead or damaged stems in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

How big does Polygonatum falcatum grow?

Polygonatum falcatum reaches a height of 0.6 m.

Is Polygonatum falcatum hardy in the UK?

Polygonatum falcatum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Polygonatum falcatum?

Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation is slow and less common.

Is Polygonatum falcatum toxic?

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.

More in the Polygonatum genus

Browse all Polygonatum →