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Polygonatum humile
Dwarf Solomon's Seal
Plant Type:
SHADE PERENNIALSPolygonatum humile – This is the Dwarf Solomon's Seal with glossy dark green rounded leaves, attractively veined. Showy white substantive bells dangle from the leaf axils along the stems. If the Giant Solomon's Seal is dramatic then this dwarf counterpart is charming. Dwarf Solomon's Seal spreads moderately fast in the garden. Pot grown division.
Characteristics and Attributes for Polygonatum humile
Season of Interest (Flowering)
- Spring
Season of Interest (Foliage)
- Spring / Summer / into Autumn
Light
- Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade
- Dappled Shade
- Shade
Attributes
- Ground Cover
- Woodland
- Rock Garden
Growth Rate in the Garden
- Moderately Fast
Soil
- Fertile
- Draining
- Woodland
Origins
- China, Japan, 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.