Plant Min Zone: 5a
Plant Max Zone: 9a
Sunlight: Part Sun, Shade
Water / Rainfall: Low, Average
Soil Quality: Average, Rich
Bloom Season: Spring
Flower Color: Orange
Berry / Fruit Color: Purple, Bluish Black
Spring Foliage Color: Green
Summer Foliage Color: Green
Fall Foliage Color: Green
Evergreen Foliage: No
Winter Interest: No
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: Low, Medium
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Low
Humidity Tolerance: Medium
Wind Tolerance: Low, Medium
Poor Soil Tolerance: No Extreme Soils
Height: 3' - 5'
Width: 1' - 2'
Growth Rate: Slow
Service Life: Medium: 3-5 years
Maintenance Need: Medium
Spreading Potential: Low
Yearly Trimming Tips: Trim Perennial to Ground Around First Fall Freeze: No Winter Interest.
Plant Grouping Size: Specimen Planting of 1-3
Best Side of House: East Exposure, North Exposure
Extreme Planting Locations: Resistant to Rabbits
Ornamental Features: Multiple Seasons of Interest, Fine Texture
Special Landscape Uses: Groundcover
Possible Pest Problems: Weed Competition
Plant Limitations: Needs Regular Irrigation
Solomon Seal (Polygonatum sp.) is a very large genus of perennials comprising dozens of species. Many of the species that are appropriate for garden use in Kansas are native to seasonally dry to moist forests in North America and Asia. Orange Flowering Climbing Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum kingianum / huanum) is definitely not typical of the genus! This plant has "climbed" above other Solomon seals! New vining growth several feet tall arises each year from a non-spreading rhizome. The foliage has a central stem with architecturally arranged opposite leaves covering the length of the stem gradually getting smaller towards the end. Two tiny hooks are located on the tips of each leaf, helping it to gently cling onto a structure or other plant for support. Elongated bell-shaped flowers appearing in spring are orange with green tips, yes ORANGE! This small "vine-like" plant is a curiosity and specimen plant. Grow in moist, well drained forest soil with average irrigation. This beauty can reach 12' tall but in our Kansas display garden, we are on year 3 (2021) with growth about 3' and increasing each year.
