Polygonatum multiflorum
Solomon's-seal
Overview
Polygonatum multiflorum is a rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial forming arching, unbranched stems 12-36 in (30-90 cm) tall from a thick horizontal rootstock. The alternate, oval to elliptic leaves are 2-6 in (5-15 cm) long, mid-green, and arranged in two ranks along the upper side of the gently curving stem. In late spring, clusters of two to five pendulous, tubular white flowers tipped with green hang from the leaf axils, each about 0.4-0.8 in (1-2 cm) long. The flowers are followed by spherical blue-black berries roughly 0.3-0.4 in (8-10 mm) wide. The berries and rhizomes contain saponins and are poisonous if eaten. Top growth dies back to the rhizome each autumn, leaving the plant dormant and bare through winter. It spreads slowly underground to form colonies, and sawfly larvae can strip the foliage in early summer, leaving bare stems. It grows in the deciduous woodlands of Europe and temperate Asia, on moist, humus-rich soils in shade.
Native Range
Native to Europe and temperate Asia, from Britain east to the Caucasus and Siberia, where it grows in moist, shaded deciduous woodland and on shaded banks.Suggested Uses
Grown in shaded borders, woodland gardens, and naturalistic plantings beneath trees and shrubs. The arching stems are also cut for indoor arrangements, and established colonies serve as a slowly spreading groundcover in shade.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in late spring, mainly May to June. The small tubular flowers hang in short clusters along the underside of the arching stems for about three weeks. Berries develop through summer and ripen blue-black by late summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
mid-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 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
Polygonatum multiflorum grows in part to full shade on moist, fertile, humus-rich soil that drains freely. It tolerates dry shade once established but grows taller and spreads faster in consistently moist ground. The rhizomes are planted just below the surface in autumn or early spring and establish more steadily when left undisturbed. An annual mulch of leaf mould maintains soil organic matter and moisture. Solomon's seal sawfly larvae can defoliate stems in early summer, though plants usually recover the following year.Pruning
No routine pruning is needed. The faded stems are cut back to ground level once they yellow in autumn. Congested clumps can be lifted and divided in autumn or early spring to control spread or propagate the plant.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons