Polygonatum odoratum 'Red Legs' (Scented Solomon's seal 'Red Legs') — Bushy

Overview

Polygonatum odoratum 'Red Legs' is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Polygonatum, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Polygonatum odoratum 'Red Legs' 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

Polygonatum odoratum 'Red Legs' is a bushy, deciduous herbaceous perennial belonging to the Asparagaceae family. This cultivar thrives in a variety of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, provided the soil is moist but well-drained. It is adaptable to full shade, full sun, and partial shade, making it suitable for north, south, east, and west-facing aspects in sheltered locations. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is ideal for city and courtyard gardens as well as cottage and informal garden settings. 'Red Legs' is best propagated by division in spring, taking care with its young brittle shoots, and offers seasonal interest in both spring and summer.

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: North-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Polygonatum odoratum 'Red Legs' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Polygonatum odoratum 'Red Legs'

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

Where is the best place to plant Polygonatum odoratum 'Red Legs'?

Polygonatum odoratum 'Red Legs' prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Polygonatum odoratum 'Red Legs' need?

Polygonatum odoratum 'Red Legs' 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.