Dwarf Solomon's Seal

Polygonatum hookeri is a fascinating and diminutive relative of the common Solomon's Seal, ideal for the front of a shady border or a woodland rockery. Unlike its tall, arching cousins, this species barely reaches 5-10cm in height. In mid-spring, it emerges from the ground with tiny, narrow leaves, followed immediately by stunning, upward-facing, tubular flowers of a bright pink or lilac color. These flowers are relatively large for the size of the plant and appear to sit almost directly on the soil. Native to the Himalayas, it is fully hardy (H4) but requires very specific conditions to thrive: it needs a cool, moist, and very well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It can be prone to drying out, so a top-dressing of grit or leaf mould is beneficial. It is a plant for the specialist grower, rewarding them with its unique and delicate display each spring. It slowly forms a small colony via underground rhizomes.

Sun: Partial shade.

Soil: Gritty, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Apr, May.