Scientific Name
Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All.
Common Name(s)
Solomon's Seal, Common Solomon's Seal, David's Harp, Ladder-to-heaven, Eurasian Solomon's Seal
Synonym(s)
Convallaria ambigua, Convallaria bracteata, Convallaria broteroi, Convallaria govaniana, Convallaria multiflora, Polygonatum ambiguum, Polygonatum bracteatum, Polygonatum govanianum, Polygonatum gussonei, Polygonatum intermedium, Polygonatum salamonis
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Nolinoideae
Genus: Polygonatum
Flower
Color: White and green
Bloom Time: June
Origin
Polygonatum multiflorum is native to Europe and temperate Asia.
Description
Polygonatum multiflorum is a rhizomatous perennial with alternate leaves on arching stems. It grows up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall and up to 10 inches (25 cm) wide.
The flowers are slightly necked, pendent, tubular, white with green tips, hanging from the undersides of the stems.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 4a to 8b: from −30 °F (−34.4 °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 a rich organic soil with a pH acidic to the neutral zone. They need some shade to thrive truly. The damp shade is even better, although they are quite 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 Seals 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 for them 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.
Links
- Back to genus Polygonatum
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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