Polygonatum odoratum (Angled Solomon’s seal) — Spreading branched

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.

About

The genus name Polygonatum comes from the Greek words "poly", meaning "many", and "gonu", meaning "knee joint". In the United Kingdom it is one of three native species of the genus, the others being P. multiflorum and P. verticillatum. This is in reference to the plant's jointed rhizomes. Mature plants reach roughly 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade and most soil types. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens and cottage and informal garden. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polygonatum odoratum

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

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Polygonatum odoratum

Propagation: Division in spring
Pest resistance: Slugs, Snails, Solomon's seal sawfly
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

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.