Scientific Name
Polygonatum curvistylum Hua
Common Name(s)
Solomon's Seal
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Nolinoideae
Genus: Polygonatum
Flower
Color: Rose-red
Bloom Time: Late spring
Description
Polygonatum curvistylum is a rare perennial that produces low arching stems, rarely more than 15 inches (37.5 cm) tall, clothed with elegant whorls of narrow, lanceolate leaves with unusual leaf tips. In late spring, 2 to 8 flowers are produced in the upper leaf axils, followed by coral-red, fleshy fruits. The flowers are initially almost white, but they soon mature to a rose-red with the flared, open mouth stained internally with a darker red.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 5a to 8b: from −20 °F (−28.9 °C) to 20 °F (−6.7 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Plants are usually started by transplants or rhizomes. Seeds of Polygonatum can take up to 2 years to sprout so you will get some seeding in established plantings.
Solomon's Seals likes rich organic soil with a pH in the acidic to the neutral zone. These plants need some shade to thrive truly. The damp shade is even better, although they are pretty drought-tolerant once established. Plants can be started in the spring or fall. Plant only 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) deep and about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) apart.
Solomon's Seal seldom needs division. It takes several years before a clump is large enough to divide for propagation purposes. When ready, divide in early spring or fall and leave several buds on each division for the best success. The rhizomes can be divided even further, but it will take longer to become established. Another option is to remove and plant just the offsets at the out edges of a clump.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Solomon's Seal.
Origin
Polygonatum curvistylum is native to Yunnan province in China.
Links
- Back to genus Polygonatum
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.