Scientific Name
Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce
Common Name(s)
Angular Solomon's Seal, Scented Solomon's Seal, Aromatic Solomon's Seal, Solomon's Seal
Synonym(s)
Convallaria odorata, Polygonatum japonicum, Polygonatum officinale
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Nolinoideae
Genus: Polygonatum
Flower
Color: White and green
Bloom Time: Spring
Description
Polygonatum odoratum is a herbaceous perennial with simple, alternate leaves on arching stems. It grows up to 33 inches (85 cm) tall and 12 inches (30 cm) wide.
The scented tubular flowers are hermaphrodite (with both male and female organs), white with green tips, and appear in spring hanging from the underside of the stems.
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 Seal plants like a rich organic soil with a pH in the acidic to neutral zone. They need some shade to thrive truly. The damp shade is even better, although they are 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 for them to become established. Another option is to remove and plant just the offsets at the edges of a clump.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Solomon's Seal.
Origin
Polygonatum odoratum is native to Europe, the Caucasus, Siberia, the Russian Far East, China, Mongolia, Korea, and Japan.
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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