Polygonatum x hybridum ‘Betberg’

Solomon’s Seal Asparagaceae

A Solomon’s seal that emerges in spring looking as though it has been dipped in chocolate! ‘Betberg’ is an exceptionally handsome form, with stems and young leaves emerging deep chocolate-brown to purple-bronze before gradually maturing to green. The arching stems carry clusters of pendent, creamy-white, green-tipped flowers, often with as many as five flowers per leaf axil, followed by purple berries. 

‘Betberg’ was found as a seedling by Isbert Preussler, who worked at the Zeppelin nursery in southern Germany. He discovered the plant near the small village of Betberg in the Black Forest, close to Laufen and Sulzburg, and subsequently gave the plant to Beth Chatto, who helped bring it into wider horticultural circulation. The cultivar was named after its place of discovery. 

Although often sold as Polygonatum multiflorum ‘Betberg’, the accepted horticultural treatment is Polygonatum × hybridum ‘Betberg’, reflecting its hybrid origin. It is a vigorous, spreading woodland plant, happiest in fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil in shade or partial shade.

• Height: 60–80cm
• Spread: 40–50cm
• Flowering: April–June
• Hardiness: H7 (<-20°C)
• Position: Shade to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, fertile, humus-rich, well drained
• Breeder/selector: Isbert Preussler
• Provenance: Betberg, Black Forest, near Laufen and Sulzburg, Germany
• Introduction: Introduced to horticulture through Beth Chatto after being given to her by Isbert Preussler
• Nomenclature: Polygonatum × hybridum ‘Betberg’
• Synonym: Polygonatum multiflorum ‘Betberg’