Polygonatum humile (Solomon's seal)

Polygonatum humile Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Polygonatum humile pol-ig-on-AY-tum HEW-mih-lee Common Name: Solomon's seal Genus: Polygonatum
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.
Noteworthy characteristics: Pendent, tubular white flowers in late spring. Grows in full shade.
Care: Full or partial shade and fertile, organically rich, moist but well-drained soil.
Propagation: Divide in autumn or when growth begins in spring (take care not to damage young shoots). Sow seed in a cold frame in autumn.  
Problems: Slugs and sawfly larvae.
Height 6 in. to 12 in.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Runs
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Part Shade to Full Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Bloom Time Late Spring; Spring
Flower Color White Flower
Uses Beds and Borders
Style Rock Garden, Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest, Summer Interest
Type Perennials

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