Polygonatum verticillatum rubrum - Whorled Solomon's Seal

Sizes available: #1 (Trade gallon)

Basics: zones 4-8, 3-4', some sources say 6' (doubtful in Maine) x 12", part sun to full shade, small pink bell-shaped flowers bloom in late spring to mid summer at the leaf axils and develop into mauve colored berries. The stem is dark purple and unlike the curve of other Solomon's Seals, this is an upright stem that looks a bit like bamboo. Prefers fertile soils that are consistently moist but well drained, however, I find the Solomon's Seals pretty adaptable and relatively drought tolerant once established. Since this one is found in rocky shady spots, I can't imagine it's going to be much different.

Common names: Whorled Solomon's Seal

Family: Asparagaceae

Origin/Distribution: Himalayas

Habitat: woodland edge and clearing, rocky or gravelly shade

More: Deer and rabbit resistant, but young shoots may be attractive to slugs and snails, has been used medicinally in its local regions. Once the plants in my shade garden bulk up, I want to try it as a cut foliage. All my other Solomon's Seals work well for that and I am curious to see if this one does, too.

Source: Van Berkum

Image credits: illustration from Wikimedia Commons (a good example of the upright form, rubrum has a light pink tinge to the flower)