About
Polygonatum odoratum, angular Solomon's seal, is a perennial with arching stems bearing elliptic leaves and, in each axil, one or two perfumed, tubular, green-tipped, creamy-white flowers. A beautiful and fragrant Solomon's seal for a shaded, moist, humus-rich border.
About the genus
Polygonatum, the Solomon's seals, are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with erect or arching stems bearing glossy, elliptic leaves and pendent, tubular or bell-shaped white flowers in spring, sometimes followed by black or red berries. Elegant and rewarding plants for shaded, moist, humus-rich borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHerbaceous borders, cottage gardens, cutting.
Native toEurope to Japan
FragranceFlower
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 in full sun, partial shade or shade
PruningCut back to the base in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring taking care not to damage young brittle shoots
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and solomon's seal sawfly
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free