Overview
Polygonatum odoratum is a spreading branched herbaceous perennial in the genus Polygonatum, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Polygonatum odoratum grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens and cottage and informal garden. It is native to Europe to Japan.
About
Polygonatum odoratum is a perennial plant characterized by its arching stems that support oval-shaped leaves. Each leaf axil typically features one or two tubular flowers, which are creamy-white with green tips and emit a pleasant fragrance.
About the genus
Polygonatum comprises rhizomatous herbaceous perennials characterized by upright or arching stems that support shiny, elliptical leaves. These plants produce drooping, tubular or bell-like flowers, which may later give rise to black or red berries.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Polygonatum
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Polygonatum odoratum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Europe to Japan
- Fragrance
- Flower
- 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 odoratum
- Cultivation
- Grow in any fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, partial shade or shade
- Pruning
- Cut back to the base in late autumn
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in spring taking care not to damage young brittle shoots
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and solomon's seal sawfly
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Polygonatum odoratum?
Grow in any fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, partial shade or shade.
Where is the best place to plant Polygonatum odoratum?
Polygonatum odoratum prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Polygonatum odoratum need?
Polygonatum odoratum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Polygonatum odoratum?
Cut back to the base in late autumn.
How big does Polygonatum odoratum grow?
Polygonatum odoratum reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Polygonatum odoratum hardy in the UK?
Polygonatum odoratum has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Polygonatum odoratum?
Propagate by division in spring taking care not to damage young brittle shoots.
Is Polygonatum odoratum 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.