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Polygonatum
Fragrant Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum, commonly known as Solomon's Seal, is a graceful and reliable perennial that brings a touch of woodland elegance to any shade garden. Here's why you should consider adding it to your landscape:
- Elegant Arching Stems: The plant's most distinctive feature is its gracefully arching stems, which create a beautiful, flowing silhouette in the garden.
- Attractive Foliage: The oval or lance-shaped leaves are arranged alternately along the stems, creating a lush and appealing backdrop for other shade-loving plants. Many varieties also offer beautiful variegated foliage with stripes or edges of white or cream.
- Charming Bell-Shaped Flowers: In spring, delicate, bell-shaped flowers dangle beneath the leaves along the stems. These flowers are typically white or greenish-white and add a subtle but lovely touch to the garden.
- Shade Tolerance: Polygonatum is an excellent choice for shady areas where many other flowering plants struggle. It thrives in partial to full shade, making it perfect for woodland gardens, north-facing borders, and under trees.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Solomon's Seal is a relatively low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal care.
- Interesting Texture and Form: The unique arching form and attractive foliage provide interesting texture and structure to the shade garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators to your garden.
- Deer Resistant (Generally): While not entirely deer-proof, Polygonatum is generally considered to be deer-resistant, making it a good option for gardens where deer are a concern.
- Adaptable: It is adaptable to a range of soil conditions, as long as they are well-draining.
This guide provides general recommendations for planting and growing Polygonatum.
Understanding Polygonatum:
- Hardiness: Polygonatum is generally hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 9, depending on the specific species. Check the hardiness zone for the specific variety you are purchasing.
Planting Polygonatum:
- Timing: The best times to plant Polygonatum are in early spring or fall when the weather is cool and moist.
- Choose the Right Location:
- Light: Polygonatum thrives in partial to full shade. While some varieties may tolerate morning sun, they generally prefer protection from intense afternoon sun.
- Soil: They prefer moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend heavy clay or sandy soils with compost or other organic material to improve drainage and fertility.
- Planting Process:
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- Dig a hole that is wide enough to accommodate the rhizome (the underground stem) without crowding and deep enough so that the top of the rhizome is about 1-2 inches below the soil surface.
- Gently place the rhizome horizontally in the planting hole, ensuring any visible buds or growing points are facing upwards.
- Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the rhizome to eliminate air pockets.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
- Spacing: Space individual plants or rhizomes about 1-2 feet apart, depending on the mature size of the specific variety.
Growing and Caring for Polygonatum:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, until the plant is established. Once established, Polygonatum prefers consistently moist soil, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- Soil: Maintain moist, well-draining soil. A layer of organic mulch can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Sunlight: Ensure your Polygonatum receives the appropriate amount of shade for your climate and the specific variety.
- Fertilizing: Polygonatum generally does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can be beneficial, especially in poor soils. Avoid over-fertilizing.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch (such as shredded bark, wood chips, or leaf mold) around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Division: Polygonatum spreads slowly by rhizomes and can be easily divided in early spring or fall if you want to propagate the plant or control its spread. Gently dig up the rhizomes and separate them into sections, ensuring each section has healthy roots and growing points. Replant the divisions in prepared soil.
- Pest and Disease Control: Polygonatum is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, watch out for occasional issues like slugs or snails. Fungal diseases are rare but can occur in overly wet conditions with poor air circulation.
- Overwintering: Polygonatum is reliably perennial in its hardiness range and does not typically require any special winter protection. The foliage will usually die back in the fall, and new growth will emerge in the spring.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully plant and grow beautiful Polygonatum (Solomon's Seal) plants in your shade garden!
Polygonatum (pol-ig-oh-nay-tum) Solomon’s Seal; Ruscaceae Family. Polygonatum are lovely, spring blooming wild flowers, native to North America, found along, damp roadsides and in rich, half shaded woods. Solomon's Seal is a natural plant for the shady woodland garden, even tolerating heavy shade. Deep, rich, moist soil is best. Solomon's Seal is sometimes slow to establish itself, but is very long-lived and easy to maintain once it does. Divide plants in the spring or fall.
Attributes: Border plants, Container, Cut foliage, Fragrant flowers, Ground cover. Attracts hummingbirds.
The defining characteristic of 'Variegatum' is its strikingly variegated foliage. The elegant, arching stems bear leaves that are broadly edged with creamy white, creating a beautiful contrast with the green centers. This variegation brightens up shady areas and adds a sophisticated touch to the garden. Unlike some variegated plants, the variegation on 'Variegatum' is generally very stable. It also offers a graceful, architectural form and delicate, fragrant flowers.
Description and Details:
- Appearance: An herbaceous perennial with unbranched, arching stems that emerge from creeping rhizomes.
- Flowers: Small, bell-shaped, white flowers with green tips that dangle beneath the leaves in pairs (or sometimes threes) along the stem. They have a sweet, subtle fragrance, often compared to lilies.
- Foliage: The star of the show! The leaves are alternate, ovate to elliptic, and 2-4 inches long. They are a medium green with broad, irregular, creamy-white margins. The variegation can sometimes be more striped than a solid margin.
- Size: Typically grows 18-24 inches tall and spreads slowly via rhizomes to form colonies. The width of a mature clump can be quite extensive over time.
- Growth Habit: Arching, vase-shaped habit. The stems emerge from the ground and gracefully curve outwards.
- Blooming Time: Mid to late spring (typically May-June, depending on location).
Native Habitat:
Polygonatum odoratum (the species, without variegation) is native to woodlands and shaded, rocky areas of Europe and Asia. 'Variegatum' is a cultivated variety, selected for its variegated foliage. This native habitat informs its preference for shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Landscaping Design Tips:
- Shade Gardens: A quintessential shade garden plant. It thrives in dappled shade or even full shade, where its variegated foliage truly shines.
- Woodland Gardens: Perfect for naturalistic woodland settings, where it can spread slowly to form elegant colonies.
- Under Trees and Shrubs: An excellent choice for planting under deciduous trees or shrubs, where it receives filtered light.
- Mixed Borders: Adds texture and contrast to mixed shade borders. Pair it with other shade-loving plants.
- Mass Plantings: Creates a stunning effect when planted in large drifts, especially in areas where the arching stems can be appreciated.
- Container Plantings: Can be used in containers, particularly in combination with other shade-tolerant plants. However, it will eventually outgrow smaller pots.
- Companion Plants: Combines beautifully with a wide range of shade-loving plants, such as:
- Hostas (especially blue-leaved varieties, for a nice contrast)
- Ferns (of all types)
- Astilbe
- Hellebores (Lenten Rose)
- Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra)
- Tiarella (Foamflower)
- Heuchera (Coral Bells) - especially varieties with darker foliage
- Pulmonaria (Lungwort)
- Epimedium (Barrenwort)
- Spring-blooming bulbs (like Snowdrops or Scilla) that will bloom before the Solomon's Seal emerges.
Planting and Care:
- Sunlight: Prefers partial to full shade. Avoid hot, direct sun, which can scorch the leaves. Morning sun is generally tolerated, but afternoon shade is essential.
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Amend heavy clay soils with plenty of organic matter (compost, leaf mold, well-rotted manure) to improve drainage and fertility. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season. Established plants are somewhat drought-tolerant, but they perform best with regular watering. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
- Fertilizing: A light application of compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is usually sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive leafy growth and reduced variegation.
- Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Remove any dead or damaged stems in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. After flowering, you can cut back the stems to the ground if desired, but this is not necessary.
- Winter Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 3-8 (very cold-hardy).
- Propagation: Easily propagated by division in spring or fall. Simply dig up a clump and separate the rhizomes, making sure each division has several buds (eyes).
- Mulch: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, like shredded bark, to conserve soil moisture.
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Liliopsida
- Order: Asparagales
- Family: Asparagaceae (Asparagus Family) - Note: Formerly classified in the Liliaceae (Lily Family) or Convallariaceae.
- Genus: Polygonatum
- Species: odoratum
- Cultivar: 'Variegatum'
Morphology:
- Roots: Thick, fleshy rhizomes that spread horizontally just below the soil surface.
- Stems: Unbranched, arching stems that emerge from the rhizomes.
- Leaves: Alternate, simple, sessile (lacking a stalk), ovate to elliptic, with parallel venation.
- Flowers: Perfect (containing both male and female reproductive parts), actinomorphic (radially symmetrical), with six fused tepals (petals and sepals that look alike) forming a bell shape.
- Fruit: Small, blue-black berries (technically a berry, not a capsule). Note: The berries are considered poisonous and should not be eaten.
Popular Varieties (Other than 'Variegatum'):
While 'Variegatum' is by far the most popular variegated form, there are a few others, though they are less common:
- Polygonatum odoratum 'Angel Wings': Has wider, more dramatic white margins.
- Polygonatum odoratum 'Fireworks': Has red stems and gold and green foliage.
- Polygonatum biflorum (Smooth Solomon's Seal): A North American native species. Similar to odoratum but generally lacks fragrance and has smaller flowers. There are some variegated cultivars of P. biflorum, but they are not as widely available.
- Polygonatum humile (Dwarf Solomon's Seal): A much smaller species, only growing 6-8 inches tall.
- Polygonatum x hybridum 'Striatum': A striped variety of Solomon's Seal.
Other Insights Gardeners Need to Know:
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Generally considered deer-resistant and rabbit-resistant. This is a significant advantage in many gardens.
- Pest and Disease Problems: Relatively pest-free and disease-resistant. Slugs and snails can sometimes be a problem, especially on young plants. Leaf spot and rust can occasionally occur but are usually not serious.
- Toxicity: All parts of the plant, especially the berries, are considered poisonous if ingested. Keep away from children and pets.
- Slow Spreader: While it does spread via rhizomes, it is not considered invasive. It forms well-behaved clumps.
- Long-Lived: Solomon's Seal is a long-lived perennial, and established clumps can persist for many years.
- Goes Dormant: The plant dies back to the ground in winter and emerges in the Spring.
By providing the right conditions (shade, moist soil, and good drainage) and understanding its growth habits, gardeners can enjoy the elegant beauty and easy care of Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' for years to come. Its variegated foliage provides a long season of interest, even when the flowers are not in bloom.