About
Polygonatum hookeri, Hooker's Solomon's seal, is a creeping, slowly spreading perennial with upright stems to 4 cm long. In late spring and early summer it produces solitary, pale to deep-pink, short-tubed flowers 2 cm across, followed by black fruits. A charming and unusual miniature Solomon's seal for a shaded, moist rock garden or peat bed.
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
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toE Himalaya, China
ToxicityHarmful 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
CultivationGrow in any fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers or by division in spring taking care not to damage young brittle shoots
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and solomon's seal sawfly
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free