Polygonatum biflorum; the genus name biflorum refers to the fact that the flowers grow in pairs along the leaf axils.
Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' is a fragrant Solomon's Seal with variegated white tipped leaves.
Solomon’s Seal is native to North America, and is a plant of the lily family.
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It is well suited to cool damp shady areas and for naturalizing in a woodland setting.
Polygonatum can only stand bright sun if the climate is cool and the soil is moist.
However;once established, they are quite drought tolerant.
The slender, arching stems have alternating lance-shaped leaves that are either green (biflorum) or tipped with
white( Variegatum).
The small, tubular white flowers dangle underneath the leaves.
It can grow to around 1 metre (39") high and the flowers are produced in June.
Cultivation;
Week 14; Apply a mulch annually to give protection and conserve moisture.
Week 26; Keep on the lookout for Sawfly larvae.
If these are allowed to develop they will soon decimate the plant/s by eating all the leaves,
leaving only the leaf skeleton.
Either spray with a suitable insecticide or pick them off the plant/s by hand.
Week 28; Sow seeds when fresh into pots/trays of seed compost and place in a cold frame to germinate.
Germination can take eighteen to twenty four months.
Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle into 75mm (3") pots of potting compost and grow on for a couple of years.
Week 40; Divide and replant if necessary from now until March when conditions allow.
Ensure that there are several buds on each division.
Plant out new stock into their flowering position at a depth of 25-50mm (1"-2") and 500mm (18") apart.
They prefer rich organic well drained soil, in full sun or shade, where the pH is acidic to neutral.
The roots should be protected from direct sunlight,
Week 45; Cut plants down to ground level.
