Polygonatum multiflorum
Polygonatum multiflorum, the Solomon's seal, David's harp, ladder-to-heaven or Eurasian Solomon's seal, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to Europe and temperate Asia. In Britain it is one of three native species of the genus, the others being P. odoratum and P. verticillatum.
Name
The specific epithet multiflorum means "many-flowered".Description
It is a rhizomatous perennial growing to tall by broad, with arching stems of alternate leaves, and slightly necked, pendent tubular white flowers with green tips, hanging from the undersides of the stems. It is valued in cultivation for its ability to colonise shady areas, and is suitable for a woodland style planting.Its fruit persists for an average of 17.5 days, and bears an average of 2.6 seeds per fruit. Fruits average 83.5% water, and their dry weight includes 43.6% carbohydrates and 1.2% lipids.
Cultivation
The shoots of Polygonatum multiflorum look very attractive, so they are suitable for use in floral arrangements. The longevity of cut shoots of Polygonatum multiflorum ‘Variegatum’ harvested from the field ranges from 15 to 22 days. To extend the life of cut shoots, gibberellic acid, benzyladenine and hydroxyquinoline sulphate are used. They prolong postharvest longevity mainly by delaying leaf yellowing.The hybrid Polygonatum × hybridum has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.