Polygonatum multiflorum (common Solomon's seal) — Perennial

Overview

Polygonatum multiflorum is a perennial in the genus Polygonatum, part of the Q134172 family. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Polygonatum multiflorum grows best in full shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover and woodland garden. It is native to Europe to Caucasus.

About

Polygonatum multiflorum is a perennial ground cover for shaded sites, producing arching stems up to about 1.2 m. It will grow in sandy, loamy or clay soils that are moist but well drained. It flowers April to June. Wear gloves when handling: the plant is harmful if eaten and is toxic to dogs.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polygonatum multiflorum

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 multiflorum is a herbaceous perennial native to Europe to the Caucasus, used chiefly where shade and shelter are dominant. Plants produce arching stems to around 1.2 m and are suited to locations that receive little direct sun. In the UK it behaves as a fully hardy perennial (H7; USDA zones 4–8). Sit it in full shade or a consistently shaded aspect and provide a soil that is moist yet well drained — it will tolerate sandy, loamy and clay textures so long as drainage is not poor. Flowers appear in spring (April to June) beneath the stems and can be left in place or cut for spring displays. Take care when handling: the foliage and other parts are harmful if eaten and the species is toxic to dogs; wear gloves and other protective equipment if required. Use Polygonatum multiflorum as a ground cover or in a woodland-style border where its arching habit can be shown off beneath trees and taller shrubs. It establishes as a colony in shade and suits runs beneath deciduous canopies where it will receive cool, damp soil and shelter from hot sun. Expect stems to carry the April–June flowers beneath the leaves and to reach roughly 1.2 m in height.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Polygonatum

Sunlight: Full shade
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture: Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Exposure: Shade
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Polygonatum multiflorum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Height: 1.2 m
Suggested uses: Groundcover, Woodland garden
Native to: Europe to Caucasus
Toxicity: Harmful 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

Pruning and caring for Polygonatum multiflorum

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 before new growth begins.
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation is possible but slow.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Polygonatum multiflorum?

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

Where is the best place to plant Polygonatum multiflorum?

Polygonatum multiflorum prefers full shade. It suits shade positions.

What soil does Polygonatum multiflorum need?

Polygonatum multiflorum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Polygonatum multiflorum?

Remove dead or damaged stems in early spring before new growth begins.

How big does Polygonatum multiflorum grow?

Polygonatum multiflorum reaches a height of 1.2 m.

Is Polygonatum multiflorum hardy in the UK?

Polygonatum multiflorum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Polygonatum multiflorum?

Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation is possible but slow.

Is Polygonatum multiflorum toxic?

Harmful 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.

More in the Polygonatum genus

Browse all Polygonatum →