Solomon's Seal

Polygonatum multiflorum

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average to fast
• Flowering period: May
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Its graceful, arching stems of large, dark green, oval leaves are enough to earn this plant its place in the garden. But in early summer, when these are strung with clusters of green-edged, white flowers that hang like little bells, it is simply gorgeous. The flowers are followed by small, black fruit. Solomon's Seal prefers a cool position in a shady spot and looks wonderful in a woodland setting among shade-loving ferns.
  
  
• Garden care: Polygonatum do not like dry soil. Cut the plant down to the ground in autumn. Lift and divide large colonies in early spring, taking care not to damage the young shoots. Apply a mulch of well-rotted leafmould or garden compost in spring.