Polygonatum odoratum ‘Flatmate' BSWJ 857

 Solomon’s Seal Asparagaceae

A Solomon’s seal that has taken the idea of a flatmate rather literally! ‘Flatmate’ is an exceptionally distinctive form of Polygonatum odoratum, notable for its strongly flattened stems, almost propeller-like in cross-section. The stems are upright rather than arching, green when shaded but becoming reddish with exposure to sunlight. Large, broad, oblong to ovate leaves are held neatly along the stems, with a glaucous underside, while the familiar pendent, fragrant, white flowers are green-tipped. 

The plant originated from one of Crûg Farm’s earliest collections in Korea, made in 1993 on the Mallipo Peninsula on the west coast of South Korea. At the time of collection it was growing in coastal pine woodland on sand dunes. The collection was subsequently selected and named ‘Flatmate’, in reference to its unusually flattened stems, and introduced into cultivation through Crûg Farm. 

An excellent woodland plant, particularly interesting for its architectural stems. Grow in moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade, although the plants are adaptable and the stems develop stronger red colouring with greater exposure to sunlight.

• Height: 60–80cm
• Spread: 40–60cm
• Flowering: May–June
• Hardiness: H6 (-20 to -15°C)
• Position: Partial shade to shade
• Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well drained
• Collection: Crûg Farm, 1993
• Collection number: BSWJ 857
• Provenance: Mallipo Peninsula, west coast of South Korea
• Habitat: Coastal pine forest and sand dunes
• Introduction: Selected and introduced from the 1993 Crûg Farm Korean collection
• Nomenclature: Polygonatum odoratum ‘Flatmate’ BSWJ 857