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Polygonatum odoratum 'Spiral Staircase'

Solomon's Seal

Plant Type:

SHADE PERENNIALS

Polygonatum odoratum 'Spiral Staircase' - Neat form on an architectural classic with upturned leaves alternately set upon each stem displaying a distinctive glaucous silver-white underside. Where the leaf meets the arching stem there is a subtle though noticeable red-purple shading which underscores each leaf, setting it off, making the display more distinctive and artistic. Small white bells dangle in spring. If pollinated they form blue-black berries later in the season. 'Spiral Staircase' is a strong grower once established in its garden setting. Introduced by Plant Delights this great Solomon's Seal is from Korea's Cheju Island. Established pot grown division.


Height:

24 in

Colors:

White

Zone:

4 to 9
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Characteristics and Attributes for Polygonatum odoratum 'Spiral Staircase'

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Spring

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Spring / Summer / into Autumn

Autumn Interest

  • Fruit / Berries / Seed Heads

Nature Attraction

  • Honey Bees & Native Bees

Light

  • Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade
  • Shade

Attributes

  • Border
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Woodland
  • Ground Cover
  • Natural Garden
  • Massing

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Moderately Fast

Soil

  • Fertile
  • Moist
  • Draining
  • Woodland

Origins

  • Korea

Propagated By

  • Division

Genus Overview: Polygonatum

Common Name: Solomon's Seal

These are the architectural Solomon Seals, all strong contrasting counterpoint to other denizens in the woodland/shade garden. Solomon Seals form spectacular colonies of upright arching stems from rhizomes just under the surface soil and leaf duff. Allan Armitage writes in his 2nd edition of Herbaceous Perennial Plants, “The common name Solomon’s Seal may have been derived from the circular sunken scars that remain on the rootstock after the leaf stalks die and fall off; the scar somewhat resembles a seal impressed on wax on official documents or letters in former times.” The simple leaves are obovate to elliptic turning yellow to golden brown in autumn before dropping. All prefer open shade to morning sun. When flowers are pollinated dangling blue fruits may develop on short paired pedicels along stems from leaf axils. All of the following offerings are by pot grown established division.