About
This species of rhizomatous evergreen perennial to around 40cm in height, with thick, slender, purple-flushed olive-green foliage and bright purple arching stems. Clusters of small, bell-shaped, purple-red flowers appear in the leaf axils in late spring, followed by red fruits which remain over a long period of time.
About the genus
Polygonatum are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with erect or arching stems bearing glossy, elliptic leaves and pendent, tubular or bell-shaped flowers, sometimes followed by black or red berries
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toChina to Vietnam
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, preferably in part shade but will tolerate full shade
PruningCut down to ground level in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and solomon's seal sawfly
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free