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Polygonatum kingianum "orange flower form"

Solomon's Seal

Plant Type:

SHADE PERENNIALS

Polygonatum kingianum “orange flower form” – This most atypical species offers orange flowers from short pedicels at the leaf axils. The narrow linear foliage points obliquely upward in whorls. It is refined and extraordinary – a most uncommon addition to your woodland garden. Though 5 or so feet is most common in happiest conditions and climate it may grow upwards of 12 feet tall lending new meaning to the assertion that Solomon's Seals are bold! This unusual Solomon's Seal is clumping with moderate spread. For gardeners towards the northern end of its range spring planting is advised. Established potted Solomon's Seal via division.


Height:

5-12 ft

Colors:

Orange

Zone:

(5b?)6 to 8(9?)
What is my hardiness zone?

Characteristics and Attributes for Polygonatum kingianum "orange flower form"

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
  • Massing
  • Specimen
  • Natural Garden

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Medium

Soil

  • Fertile
  • Draining
  • Woodland

Origins

  • China

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.