Polygonatum cirrhifolium (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Partial to full shade
Flowering period: Early summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 90cm
Eventual Spread: 50cm
Hardiness: 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Asparagaceae
Polygonatum cirrhifolium is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with an upright habit. Its dark green/ gray leaves are lanceolate, up to 12cm long, 15mm broad an appear in whorls. Its fragrant pink/ white tubular flowers are pendulous and borne at the leaf axils. Its fruit are small spherical, purple/ red and up to 9mm across. Its roots are tuberous rhizomes, these aid its slow spread.
Polygonatum cirrhifolium Flower (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Polygonatum cirrhifolium, commonly known as Tendril Leaf Solomon’s Seal, is native to south and central China. In its native habitat it grows in forests and grassy slopes.
The etymological root of the binomial name Polygonatum is derived from the Greek polys meaning ‘many’ and gonu meaning ‘a small joint’. Cirrhifolium is derived from the Greek kirros meaning ‘orange/ tawny’ and fullon meaning ‘leaf’.
The landscape architect may find Polygonatum cirrhifolium useful as an attractive perennial with a vertical habit, suitable for shady locations
Polygonatum cirrhifolium Leaf (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Polygonatum cirrhifolium prefers moist, fertile, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil and will tolerate very acidic soils. It dislikes dry soils.
Ecologically, Polygonatum cirrhifolium flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Polygonatum cirrhifolium requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in spring.
