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.
How big does Polygonatum verticillatum grow?
Polygonatum verticillatum reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Polygonatum verticillatum hardy in the UK?
Polygonatum verticillatum 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 verticillatum?
Division in spring.
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 × hybridum 'Flore Pleno'Double-flowered Solomon's Seal
- Polygonatum × hybridum 'Variegatum'Variegated Solomon's Seal
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