Maybe not of wisdom itself but definitely of someone who is said to have been extremely wise: Solomon. And here the puzzle begins. Why should a rhizomatous plant have anything in common with one of the most reverenced biblical figures who "the whole world sought audience with to hear the wisdom God had put in Solomon's heart"? Nobody knows. There are more or less plausible explanations why, and the more we try to understand the mystery the more we want to have that symbol of sagacity in our garden. It does not hurt to grow something so closely related to that noble quality, does it? And the appearance of the plant perfectly matches its symbolic meaning for in the case of Polygonatum, both the wisdom and beauty reside in one home.
Solomon's Seal is a graceful perennial admired for its arching stems decorated with ornamental sap green elliptical leaves and small but numerous tubular flowers. They appear in late spring hanging from the leaf axils and despite the quite modest palette of colours - only white and green shades- they do not let anybody go pass them. The number of flowers depend on the species and cultivar. There are also cultivars with white edged leaves and double flowers. Some of the flowers after successful pollination form berries, but they look rather insignificant. The leaves, however, stay decorative until first fall frost bites, getting more deep green with age.
At first glance Solomon's Seal makes us think about Lily of the Valley (Convallaria) and the striking resemblance is fully justified as both plants belong to the same botanical family. What is more, they show similar requirements: shady locations, moisture retentive but well-drained soil, that is why they do so well planted under big bushes and trees. Polygonatum needs more room, though, because the its stems grow up to 1.2 m (4 ft) and they need ample space to arch gracefully. Not only stems are so keen on having more room at their disposal but the rhizomes too show an unquenchable appetite for new territories. And their wise determination -if left uncontrolled- may result in wide outgrowing the neighbouring plants. In order to avoid such instances, it seems also wise to separate the area where the Polygonatum grows from the rest of the border.
Despite its conquering spirit, Solomon's Seal grows well in containers, another great example of its rational behaviour reflecting the origin of its common name. And it does well in full sun, too. Taking that into consideration, now you can think about decorating the balcony or the patio with the graceful arches starting the next spring. Young plants of Polygonatum are easily available in all sorts of good garden centres. I am sure you can get some from your neighbours, whose garden might be full of that beautiful plant, ready to share the vigorous rhizomes with you. Certified by Solomon himself.
At first glance Solomon's Seal makes us think about Lily of the Valley (Convallaria) and the striking resemblance is fully justified as both plants belong to the same botanical family. What is more, they show similar requirements: shady locations, moisture retentive but well-drained soil, that is why they do so well planted under big bushes and trees. Polygonatum needs more room, though, because the its stems grow up to 1.2 m (4 ft) and they need ample space to arch gracefully. Not only stems are so keen on having more room at their disposal but the rhizomes too show an unquenchable appetite for new territories. And their wise determination -if left uncontrolled- may result in wide outgrowing the neighbouring plants. In order to avoid such instances, it seems also wise to separate the area where the Polygonatum grows from the rest of the border.
Despite its conquering spirit, Solomon's Seal grows well in containers, another great example of its rational behaviour reflecting the origin of its common name. And it does well in full sun, too. Taking that into consideration, now you can think about decorating the balcony or the patio with the graceful arches starting the next spring. Young plants of Polygonatum are easily available in all sorts of good garden centres. I am sure you can get some from your neighbours, whose garden might be full of that beautiful plant, ready to share the vigorous rhizomes with you. Certified by Solomon himself.
Jarek
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