Polygonatum verticillatum (Whorled Solomon’s seal) — Clump forming

Overview

Polygonatum verticillatum is a clump forming 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 verticillatum 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 woodland gardens, cottage gardens and shade borders. It is native to Belgium, Flemish Region and Walloon Region.

About

Polygonatum verticillatum or whorled Solomon's-seal is a plant species of the genus Polygonatum. It is widespread in Europe and also in China and the Himalayas though not reported from large sections of western and Central Asia in between those two ranges. It is native to Afghanistan, Albania, Assam, Austria, Baltic States and other regions. 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. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, north-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polygonatum verticillatum

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

Plant details

Polygonatum verticillatum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: Woodland gardens, Cottage gardens, Shade borders
Native to: Belgium, Flemish Region, Walloon Region

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Polygonatum verticillatum

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 verticillatum?

Polygonatum verticillatum prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Polygonatum verticillatum need?

Polygonatum verticillatum 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.