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Polygonatum odoratum 'Red Legs'

European Solomon's Seal

Plant Type:

SHADE PERENNIALS

Polygonatum odoratum 'Red Legs' (ex: Leo Blanchette) - ​A Solomon's Seal with deep red arching stems. The stems are a contrasting support for alternate matte-finished ovate green leaves barely touched with blue. Lovely white bells with green lips dangle from in pairs from the leaf axils in spring on this fairy stairwell. Doubtful any would call me lovely if I slowly, seductively descended down a stairwell with green lips - I can only speak for myself... If all these features (not mine) aren't enough to convince you then consider, too, that autumn may bring very nice warm yellow to the leaves before the cold finally holds sway. Part sun to open shade in fertile, draining woodland conditions. Established potted European Solomon's Seal from division.


Height:

18-24 in

Colors:

White

Zone:

3 to 8
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Characteristics and Attributes for Polygonatum odoratum 'Red Legs'

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Spring

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Spring / Summer / into Autumn

Nature Attraction

  • Honey Bees & Native Bees
  • Deer Resistant

Light

  • Dappled Shade
  • Sun Tolerant
  • Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade
  • Shade

Attributes

  • Natural Garden
  • Border
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Woodland
  • Ground Cover
  • Cottage Garden

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Medium

Soil

  • Fertile
  • Draining

Origins

  • Garden Origin

Propagated By

  • Division

Genus Overview: Polygonatum

Common Name: Solomon's Seal

These are the architectural Solomon Seals, all strong contrasting counterpoint to other denizens in the woodland/shade garden. Solomon Seals form spectacular colonies of upright arching stems from rhizomes just under the surface soil and leaf duff. Allan Armitage writes in his 2nd edition of Herbaceous Perennial Plants, “The common name Solomon’s Seal may have been derived from the circular sunken scars that remain on the rootstock after the leaf stalks die and fall off; the scar somewhat resembles a seal impressed on wax on official documents or letters in former times.” The simple leaves are obovate to elliptic turning yellow to golden brown in autumn before dropping. All prefer open shade to morning sun. When flowers are pollinated dangling blue fruits may develop on short paired pedicels along stems from leaf axils. All of the following offerings are by pot grown established division.