Genus Polygonatum (Solomon's seal)

Polygonatum biflorum Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

pol-ig-on-AY-tum

Common Name: Solomon's seal

These rhizomatous perennials are well suited to woodlands, shady borders, and rock gardens. Most species are cultivated for the arching foliage that has distinctive, parallel-veined leaves. The pendulous flowers are tubular and usually hang from the underside of the stem; most are followed by spherical black or red fruits. Some species are native to North America. All parts of the plant may cause irritation if ingested.
Noteworthy characteristics: The foliage is comprised of rhythmic leaves that create exceptional texture when mingled with neighboring plants.
Care: Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full to partial shade.
Propagation: Sow seed in autumn in a cold frame; divide in autumn or spring.
Problems: Slugs, sawfly larvae.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Polygonatum

Polygonatum biflorum
(Small Solomon's seal, Solomon's seal) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

From late spring into summer, this species bears tubular greenish-white flowers that dangle underneath the arching stems. The foliage is smooth; in autumn it turns to clear yellow, contrasting with the blue-black berries this plant produces. Its height varies wildly from 1.5 to 6 feet tall.

Polygonatum humile
(Solomon's seal) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

Polygonatum humile is an upright, rhizomatous perennial native to eastern Europe and western Asia. Ovate leaves are arranged alternately on the stems. Pendent, tubular white flowers hang like little bells from the leaf axils, followed by round bluish-black fruit. Grow in a shady border, rock garden, or woodland.

Polygonatum odoratum
(Fragrant Solomon’s seal, Solomon’s seal)

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Hardiness Zones:

From late spring to early summer, this species bears pendent, green-tipped white flowers along arching stems. These mature into spherical black fruit in autumn, when the foliage turns yellow.

Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum'
(Variegated fragrant Solomon's seal) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

There is seldom seen a more graceful shade plant than variegated Solomon’s seal. Narrow, pure white streaks are artfully painted along the margins of the leaves, which appear on arched burgundy stems. This plant has three-season appeal, with striking foliage in the spring; fragrant, bell-like white blooms in May and June; and a brilliant golden hue in fall. This plant forms large colonies of long, arching, 2- to 3-foot-tall stems of soft green leaves edged in creamy white. From late spring to early summer, this species bears white flowers that mature into spherical black fruit in autumn, when the foliage turns yellow.