Polygonatum × hybridum 'Flore Pleno' (Double-flowered Solomon's Seal) — perennial

Overview

Polygonatum × hybridum 'Flore Pleno' is a perennial in the genus Polygonatum, part of the Q134172 family. Polygonatum × hybridum 'Flore Pleno' grows best in partial shade and full shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include shade garden, woodland garden, borders and underplanting.

About

Polygonatum × hybridum 'Flore Pleno' is a perennial Solomon's-seal selected for its double flowers rather than single bell-shaped blooms. It produces pairs of doubled floral structures on the stems and flowers in spring. It prefers shaded, sheltered sites with a consistently moist, humus-rich soil. In UK conditions it is classed as hardy (H5).

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 × hybridum 'Flore Pleno' is a perennial in the Polygonatum group valued for its doubled flowers and upright stems. The cultivar is typically used where shade is dominant and a restrained spring display is wanted. Flowering runs from April to June. Plant where light is limited: partial shade to full shade, on north-, east- or west-facing aspects and in a sheltered spot. It favours moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil of neutral to acidic reaction; soils that stay consistently damp but not waterlogged suit it best. In the UK it carries an H5 rating, which translates to a hardy garden plant able to tolerate typical winter conditions across much of Britain. Use 'Flore Pleno' in a woodland or shade garden, as an underplanting beneath trees and larger shrubs, or as a subdued element in mixed borders. Allow soil to be enriched with leaf mould or compost at planting to help retain moisture and provide steady nutrition through the growing season. The cultivar’s double blooms appear along the stems between April and June, offering a distinctive springtime feature in shaded beds.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Polygonatum

Sunlight: partial shade, full shade
Soil type: moist, well-drained, humus-rich
Soil pH: neutral, acidic
Soil moisture: moist
Aspect: north, east, west
Exposure: sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Polygonatum × hybridum 'Flore Pleno' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: shade garden, woodland garden, borders, underplanting

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Polygonatum × hybridum 'Flore Pleno'

Cultivation: Prefers shaded or semi-shaded positions with moist, humus-rich soil. Mulch annually to retain moisture and improve soil quality.
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 × hybridum 'Flore Pleno'?

Prefers shaded or semi-shaded positions with moist, humus-rich soil. Mulch annually to retain moisture and improve soil quality.

Where is the best place to plant Polygonatum × hybridum 'Flore Pleno'?

Polygonatum × hybridum 'Flore Pleno' prefers partial shade and full shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Polygonatum × hybridum 'Flore Pleno' need?

Polygonatum × hybridum 'Flore Pleno' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, well-drained and humus-rich. It prefers neutral and acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.