Polygonatum falcatum -

Family:	Convallariaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.6
Width:	0.5
Synonyms:
Range:	E. Asia - Japan, Korea.

Polygonatum falcatum () is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.6m and a width of 0.5m . It has a hardness rating of 6.
Polygonatum falcatum will flower in October. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees, self

Soil Information

Polygonatum falcatum will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Polygonatum falcatum prefers either dry or moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Polygonatum falcatum can grow in full or semi shaded areas.

Woods in hills and low mountains all over Japan[58, 187].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• Is suited to a deeply shaded location
• Can spread to cover ground and will out compete weeds

Cultivation Details

Prefers a fertile humus rich moisture retentive well-drained soil in cool shade or semi-shade[200]. Plants are intolerant of heat and drought but tolerate most other conditions[200]. Thrives in dry shade as long as the soil is rich in humus, the plant is also fairly drought tolerant[190]. Requires a mulch protection for the roots in areas where winter temperatures go below -10°c[200]. The rhizomes are shortly-creeping, the plant forming clumps[187]. This species is often grown mistakenly as P. pumilum[200]. P. humile is often mistakenly grown as this species[187]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233]. Young shoots are very attractive to slugs[K]. Hybridizes with other members of this genus[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 2/5
Young shoots - cooked[105]. They can be used as an asparagus substitute. Root - cooked[105]. Rich in starch.

• Leaves -
• Root - includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
Energizer, tonic. Used to remove freckles[174].

• Miscellany - Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
• Tonic - Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn in a shady part of a cold greenhouse[200]. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. Germination can be slow, they may not come true to type[200] and it takes a few years for them to reach a good size. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady position in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in March or October. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Known Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, some members of this genus are believed to have poisonous fruits and seeds.

Other Uses

Plants can be grown as a ground cover when spaced about 25cm apart each way[208].

• Ground cover - Usually low growing plants that can be grown with other plants, especially shrubs and trees, to prevent the growth of weeds.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of Japan. (English translation)
Ohwi. G.
Author: Ohwi. G.
Rating:
Publisher : The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1965

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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