Polygonatum odoratum ‘Red Stem’

 Solomon’s Seal 'Red Stem' Asparagaceae

A Solomon’s seal that puts its stems before its flowers! ‘Red Stem’ is an attractive form of Polygonatum odoratum with arching stems that emerge a particularly vivid ruby-red to reddish-purple, gradually becoming less intensely coloured as the season progresses. The stems carry alternate green, oval to lance-shaped leaves, beneath which hang the familiar fragrant, cream-white flowers with green tips. The red stems provide interest well beyond the relatively short flowering period. 

The name is straightforward horticulturally, but there is some synonymy in circulation. It is correctly grown and sold as Polygonatum odoratum ‘Red Stem’, while the plant has also been associated with ‘Jinguji’, particularly in North American collections, where it is described as a red-stemmed form of P. odoratum var. pluriflorum. ‘Red Stem’ and ‘Jinguji’ should not automatically be assumed to be identical without provenance evidence. 

The cultivar has been in specialist horticulture for many years, appearing in British nursery and botanical-garden collections by at least the early 2000s. Its original raiser and date of introduction are not well documented, so it is preferable to describe it simply as an established horticultural selection rather than attributing an unsupported breeder or collection.

• Height: 40–60cm
• Spread: 40–50cm
• Flowering: May–June
• Hardiness: H7 (<-20°C)
• Position: Sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, fertile, humus-rich, well drained
• Origin: Horticultural selection
• Introduction: Long-established in specialist horticulture; original introduction undocumented
• Synonyms: Polygonatum odoratum ‘Jinguji’ has been used for a red-stemmed form, but should not be treated as automatically synonymous with ‘Red Stem’
• Nomenclature: Polygonatum odoratum ‘Red Stem’