Polygonatum latifolium (broad-leaved Solomon's seal) — perennial herbaceous

Overview

Polygonatum latifolium is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Polygonatum, part of the Q134172 family. Polygonatum latifolium grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates loamy and well-drained soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include woodland gardens, shaded borders and ground cover. It is native to Europe and Western Asia.

About

Polygonatum latifolium is a perennial herbaceous plant notable for its broad leaves. It forms clumps in shaded, moist sites and flowers from April to June. Plant in loamy, well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly acidic and position in partial shade or shade on a north- or east-facing aspect. Hardy in the UK (H5) and best sited in a sheltered spot.

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 latifolium is a member of the genus Polygonatum native to Europe and western Asia. As a perennial herbaceous plant it establishes as a clump in shaded conditions and produces its seasonal flowers in spring, with blooms appearing between April and June. For cultivation choose a partially shaded to fully shaded position, ideally on a north- or east-facing aspect where it will be sheltered. It prefers loamy, well-drained soil that remains moist and ranges from neutral to slightly acidic in pH. In UK terms it is classed as hardy (H5), so it tolerates typical winter conditions when planted in a protected spot. Use it in woodland-style plantings, shaded borders or as a ground cover beneath trees and larger shrubs. Planting alongside spring-flowering woodland bulbs or ferns keeps the lower light levels and moisture it needs. Expect spring interest from April to June when the plant produces its seasonal flowers beneath the leaf canopy.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Polygonatum

Sunlight: partial shade, shade
Soil type: loamy, well-drained
Soil pH: neutral, slightly acidic
Soil moisture: moist
Aspect: north, east
Exposure: sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Polygonatum latifolium size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial herbaceous
Suggested uses: woodland gardens, shaded borders, ground cover
Native to: Europe, Western Asia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Polygonatum latifolium

Cultivation: Prefers shaded or semi-shaded positions with moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
Pruning: Remove dead or damaged stems in early spring.
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation is slow and less common.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Polygonatum latifolium?

Prefers shaded or semi-shaded positions with moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Where is the best place to plant Polygonatum latifolium?

Polygonatum latifolium prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Polygonatum latifolium need?

Polygonatum latifolium grows best in loamy and well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Polygonatum latifolium?

Remove dead or damaged stems in early spring.

Is Polygonatum latifolium hardy in the UK?

Polygonatum latifolium has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Polygonatum latifolium?

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

More in the Polygonatum genus

Browse all Polygonatum →