Description
Polygonatum lasianthum is a lovely species, from the north of Japan, where even the straight species is not common.
It is one of the more robust Polygonatum and the arching to almost horizontal stems can exceed 80 cm in the right conditions. At this height the individual leaves are 10 cm+ long. 1.5-2 cm long flowers are borne in clusters of 2-4 in each leaf axil and as the internodes are short, the flowers are nicely crowded. They are white, with green tips and exude a sweet scent when warm. Round black fruits follow.
The horticultural selection offered here is rare still. Sansetsu (‘lying snow’) is esteemed in its native Japan for the gorgeous white patch around the midrib of each leaf.
The strong stems and good-sized flowers make this a plant to be cherished.
Rich soil in humid half shade is perfection.
