Polygonatum × hybridum
Solomon's seal
Garden origin (parents native to Europe and temperate Asia)
Overview
Polygonatum x hybridum is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial in the asparagus family, a garden hybrid between P. multiflorum and P. odoratum. It produces arching, unbranched stems 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) long, lined with oval to elliptic mid-green leaves 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) long arranged in two ranks along the upper side. In late spring, usually May, pairs or small clusters of pendent tubular flowers hang beneath the stems from the leaf joints; each flower is creamy white, about 3/4 inch (2 cm) long, and tipped with green. Small blue-black berries follow in late summer. The plant spreads steadily by branching underground rhizomes, forming wide colonies in shade over several years. It dies back to the ground each winter. All parts, and especially the berries, contain saponins and are toxic if eaten. One limitation is that sawfly larvae can strip the foliage in early summer, leaving stems bare, and the spreading rhizomes can outgrow a confined space.
Native Range
Polygonatum x hybridum is a hybrid of garden origin, derived from P. multiflorum and P. odoratum, both native to Europe and temperate Asia. The parent species grow in deciduous woodland and shaded, humus-rich ground.Suggested Uses
Used in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and at the base of deciduous shrubs and trees. The arching stems and hanging flowers combine with ferns, hostas, and other shade perennials. It is grown as groundcover for dry and moist shade.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in late spring, mainly May, lasting about 2-3 weeks. The tubular white flowers hang in pairs or small clusters along the undersides of the arching stems. Blue-black berries develop through summer after the flowers fade.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Creamy white with green tipsFoliage Description
Mid-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Polygonatum x hybridum in partial to full shade in humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil. It tolerates dry shade once established but grows fuller where soil stays moist. Water in dry spells, particularly during establishment, and apply an annual mulch of leaf mold. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0 suits it, and little feeding is needed. Sawfly larvae may appear in early summer and can defoliate stems within days. Lift and divide congested rhizomes in early spring or autumn to control spread and refresh the planting.Pruning
Cut the stems to the ground after they yellow in autumn. Remove sawfly-damaged stems through summer to limit the spread of larvae. Divide rhizomes in autumn or early spring to keep colonies within bounds.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons