Polygonatum verticillatum
whorled Solomon's seal
A rhizomatous perennial with erect stems up to 90cm tall, bearing lance-shaped, stalkless leaves, mainly in whirls, sometimes opposite. Bearing 1-4 pendant tubular, greenish white flowers in the leaf axils, from late spring to mid-summer and followed by small, red berries.
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green White | Green | Red | |
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- 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
- Genus
Polygonatum are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with erect or arching stems bearing glossy, elliptic leaves and pendent, tubular or bell-shaped flowers, sometimes followed by black or red berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Eurasia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, partial shade or full shade
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut down to ground level in late autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and solomon's seal sawfly
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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