May, 2010 – SOLOMON’S SEAL

Polygonatum

Common Name: Common Solomon’s seal
Genus: Polygonatum
Species: x hybridum
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/lightClay/heavyMoist
Height: 125cm
Spread: 30cm
Time to divide plants: March to April

Solomon’s seal is an old cottage garden plant that appears early in spring, producing graceful, arching stems with precisely paired, oval leaves along their length. These are quickly joined by dangling, green-tipped, white bells that persist throughout late spring and early summer. Plants enjoy woodland conditions, and associate well in a cool, shady, humus-rich border with spring flowers such as corydalis and dicentra. Stems and foliage remain eye-catching even after the flowers are over. Solomon’s seal also looks superb with hardy ferns to create a combination that lasts all summer. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit.

Looks good with:

Corydalis flexuosa
Dicentra spectabilis

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