About
Polygonatum falcatum, sickle-shaped Solomon's seal, is a clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial 50�90 cm high with slightly arching stems bearing narrowly lance-shaped, green leaves 8�20 cm long. Clusters of two to five hanging, green-tipped white flowers 1�2 cm long are produced in each upper leaf axil in late spring, sometimes followed by blue-black fruit. A graceful and rewarding perennial for a shaded, moist, humus-rich border.
About the genus
Polygonatum, the Solomon's seals, are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with erect or arching stems bearing glossy, elliptic leaves and pendent, tubular or bell-shaped white flowers in spring, sometimes followed by black or red berries. Elegant and rewarding plants for shaded, moist, humus-rich borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toJapan Korea
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and and other protective equipment when handling 13407,polygonatum-fuscum,Polygonatum fuscum,,Polygonatum fuscum is a rhizomatous perennial producing the characteristic arching stems
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade; will also tolerate sun or full shade if soil is cool and moist
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, or by division of the rhizomes when growth begins in spring, taking care to avoid damaging any young, brittle shoots
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and by Solomon's seal sawfly larvae
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free