What's blooming now in Vancouver - April 25 pt 2

Polygonatum

Here is one of my favourite shade plants:  Solomon's Seal or Polygonatum.  I love the delicate weep of the single stalk, covered with tiny scented white bells hanging like earrings from the stalk.  

We had a site with hundreds of Polygonatum lining the top of a steep slope.  Imagine our delight when one morning we spied a hummingbird flitting from one tantalizing white flower to the next!

Polygonatum grow in deep shade, but I like to provide staking so the single stalks do not fall over.  This photo shows my staking device forming a fence around the Solomon's Seal in the direction I know the plants will fall without staking.  If the stakes are placed early enough, the stalks of Solomon's Seal will grow over and hide the stakes.

Solomon's Seal will increase in number each year, which is terrific because it looks best in a large group.  Just make sure you have allowed enough room for a great showing.  Solomon's Seal is also easy to divide and transplant.

Plant Solomon's Seal with Hostas and Ferns, and other woodland plants.  There is also a variegated leaf variety of Solomon's Seal.