Polygonatum verticillatum ‘Krynica’

Whorled Solomon’s Seal Asparagaceae

A whorled Solomon’s seal that clearly likes to keep its leaves in formation! ‘Krynica’ is a particularly attractive short-growing, wild-derived form of Polygonatum verticillatum, forming neat upright stems clothed with distinctive whorls of narrow, lanceolate leaves. The pendent, pale greenish-white flowers appear amongst the foliage in late spring and early summer, followed by attractive red berries. Its compact stature makes it especially useful where the taller forms of the species would be too imposing.

Polygonatum verticillatum is widespread across Europe and eastwards through the Caucasus, Central Asia and the Himalaya to China, occurring principally in cool mountain woodland, meadows and grassy slopes. In Poland it is particularly associated with mountainous regions, including the Carpathians.

‘Krynica’ was raised from seed collected at Krynica in southern Poland in 2004. The resulting plants have proved remarkably compact, rarely exceeding 50cm in height, making this a particularly distinctive form within a species that can grow considerably taller. The name records its geographical provenance rather than a conventional bred cultivar.

Best grown in moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade, where its compact, tiered foliage makes an attractive contrast with larger Solomon’s seals.

• Height: 40–50cm
• Spread: 30–40cm
• Flowering: May–July
• Hardiness: H6 (-20 to -15°C)
• Position: Partial shade to shade
• Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well drained
• Collection: Seed collection, 2004
• Provenance: Krynica, southern Poland
• Introduction: Raised from seed collected at Krynica in 2004
• Form: Short-growing, not exceeding 50cm
• Nomenclature: Polygonatum verticillatum ‘Krynica’