Polygonatum odoratum 'Carlisle'

European Solomon's Seal

Plant Type:

SHADE PERENNIALS

Polygonatum odoratum 'Carlisle' - 'Carlisle' is a Solomon's Seal show-off in the woodland garden. Each handsome arching stem flaunts foliage that is highly variegated, greatly more so than 'Variegata' from which this sport arose. This beautiful perennial's moniker references the town where it was found, Carlisle in Massachusetts. Breadth of the plant in the deltails below are the potential after several years in the garden. Exposure is shade to three-quarters sun planted in fertile, draining conditions. Established potted Solomon's Seal from division.


Height:

18-24 in

Spread:

24-36 in

Colors:

White

Characteristics and Attributes for Polygonatum odoratum 'Carlisle'

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Spring

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Spring / Summer / into Autumn

Nature Attraction

  • Honey Bees & Native Bees
  • Deer Resistant

Light

  • Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade
  • Shade
  • Dappled Shade

Attributes

  • Natural Garden
  • Cutting Garden
  • Border
  • Ground Cover
  • Massing
  • Woodland
  • Accent

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Medium

Soil

  • Fertile
  • Woodland
  • Draining

Origins

  • Garden Origin

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.