About
Polygonatum verticillatum, whorled Solomon's seal, is a rhizomatous perennial with erect stems to 90 cm bearing lance-shaped, stalkless leaves mainly in whorls. One to four pendant, tubular, greenish-white flowers are produced in leaf axils from late spring to midsummer, followed by small, red berries. A distinctive and rewarding Solomon's seal for a shaded, moist, humus-rich border.
About the genus
Polygonatum, the Solomon's seals, are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with erect or arching stems bearing glossy, elliptic leaves and pendent, tubular or bell-shaped white flowers in spring, sometimes followed by black or red berries. Elegant and rewarding plants for shaded, moist, humus-rich borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toEurasia
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 any fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, partial shade or full shade
PruningCut down to ground level in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and solomon's seal sawfly
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free