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Herbaceous Perennial

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.

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H7
Botanical 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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