Polygonatum

Sunset

Zones A1-A3, 1-9, 14-17, 28-43

Partial, Shade

Moderate

Solomon's Seal
Liliaceae
Perennials

Slowly spreading rhizomes send up arching stems clothed in bright green, broadly oval leaves arranged in nearly horizontal planes. Where leaves join stems, pairs or clusters of small, bell-shaped greenish white flowers appear in spring or early summer, hanging beneath the stems on threadlike stalks. Small blue-black berries may follow flowers. Leaves and stems turn bright yellow in autumn before plant dies to the ground. Attractive in woodland gardens. Grow in loose, woodsy soil. Can remain in place for years; to increase your plantings, dig rhizomes from clump edges in early spring and replant. Good in containers.

Polygonatum biflorum

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Polygonatum biflorum

Native to eastern North America. To 1–3 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide, with leaves to 4 in. long and flowers usually in pairs or threes. A form sometimes sold as P. commutatum or P. canaliculatum is more vigorous, growing 3-7 ft. tall, 3-4 ft. wide. It has leaves 7 in. long and flowers in groups of two to ten.

Polygonatum odoratum

Native to Europe, Asia. To 1 1/2–3 1/2 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide, with 4–6-in. leaves. Flowers are fragrant, usually borne in pairs but sometimes singly.