Overview
Polygonatum roseum is a clump forming, spreading branched, bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Polygonatum, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Polygonatum roseum grows best in full shade, partial shade and full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, underplanting of roses and shrubs, cottage and informal garden and city and courtyard gardens.
About
Polygonatum roseum, commonly known as rosy-flowered Solomon's seal, is a clump-forming, spreading herbaceous perennial within the Asparagaceae family. It features arching stems with shiny, elliptical deciduous leaves and produces drooping, tubular flowers in spring and summer. This cultivar thrives in a range of light conditions from full shade to full sun and prefers moist but well-drained soils of various types and pH levels. Suitable for sheltered spots, it is ideal for flower borders, underplanting roses and shrubs, as well as cottage and city gardens. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and is propagated by division in spring.
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, Partial shade, Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Polygonatum roseum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Spreading branched, Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Polygonatum roseum
- Propagation
- Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Solomon's seal sawfly
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Polygonatum roseum?
Polygonatum roseum prefers full shade, partial shade and full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Polygonatum roseum need?
Polygonatum roseum 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.
Is Polygonatum roseum hardy in the UK?
Polygonatum roseum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Polygonatum roseum?
Division in spring.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Polygonatum genus
- Polygonatum canaliculatumSolomon's Seal
- Polygonatum curvistylum
- Polygonatum falcatumsickle-shaped Solomon's seal
- Polygonatum falcatum 'Variegatum'Solomon's Seal
- Polygonatum latifoliumbroad-leaved Solomon's seal
- Polygonatum multiflorumcommon Solomon's seal
- Polygonatum odoratum 'Flore Pleno'Solomon's Seal
- Polygonatum × hybridumgarden Solomon's seal
