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 city and courtyard gardens and cottage and informal garden. It is native to Eurasia.
About
Polygonatum verticillatum is a rhizomatous perennial that can grow erect to a height of 90 cm. Its leaves are lance-shaped and typically arranged in whorls, with some occurring oppositely. From late spring through mid-summer, it produces 1 to 4 drooping tubular flowers that are greenish-white and found in the leaf axils. These flowers give way to small red berries.
About the genus
Polygonatum comprises rhizomatous herbaceous perennials characterized by upright or arching stems that support shiny, elliptical leaves. These plants produce drooping, tubular or bell-like flowers, which may later give rise to black or red berries.
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
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Eurasia
- Toxicity
- Harmful 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
Pruning and caring for Polygonatum verticillatum
- Cultivation
- Grow in any fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, partial shade or full shade
- Pruning
- Cut down to ground level in late autumn
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and solomon's seal sawfly
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Polygonatum verticillatum?
Grow in any fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, partial shade or full shade.
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 do I prune Polygonatum verticillatum?
Cut down to ground level in late autumn.
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 a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Polygonatum verticillatum?
Propagate by division in spring.
Is Polygonatum verticillatum toxic?
Harmful 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.