About
Silver Wings' is a clump-forming, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial 40cm high with arching, angled stems, lance-shaped to ovate leaves, 5-15cm long, green above and silvery blue-green below, and in each upper leaf axil from one to four perfumed, hanging, green-tipped white flowers, 3 cm long, in late spring and early summer, sometimes followed by round black fruit, 6mm across; bees may visit the flowers.
About the genus
Polygonatum are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with erect or arching stems bearing glossy, elliptic leaves and pendent, tubular or bell-shaped flowers, sometimes followed by black or red berries
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, 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
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
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 fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in partial shade; will also tolerate sun or full shade if soil is cool and moist
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division of the rhizomes when growth begins in spring, taking care to avoid damaging any young, brittle shoots
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and solomon's seal sawfly
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free