White sausages

Plant family

Asparagus family (Asparagaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Semi-shaded

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Light germinator

Germination temperature

15 – 20 °C (Degrees Celsius)

Plant distance

30 cm

Row spacing

30 cm

Seeding depth

0.2 cm

Instructions

Description

Depending on the species and variety, white roots grow between 20 and 150 centimetres high. The sharp-edged, smooth or hairy stems have five to twelve alternate, rarely whorled or opposite, egg-shaped leaves with short stalks and a smooth edge. Its enchanting white, bell-shaped flowers bloom in May and June. They hang in a row in bundles of two to five in long chains on the arching stems. Their nectar is a good source of food for bumblebees, bees and other insects. The green leaves turn yellow in the fall. The blue-black berries develop from the flowers. Plants of the Polygonatum genus are poisonous - the berries in particular are rich in toxins that cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Growing tips

Location and soil White salsify thrives in semi-shady to shady locations. The soil should be rich in humus, fresh and well-drained. Planting white salsify The best time to plant white roots is spring or fall. Their rhizomes should be planted very shallowly - with a distance of around 30 centimetres between the plants. Care tips Polygonatum species require little care. If necessary, fertilize the perennials with compost in spring. Older plants can be divided in spring or fall. To do this, carefully dig out the rhizomes and separate sections from the knotty root pieces. Replant these elsewhere in the garden. Do Polygonatum species need winter protection? White roots cope well with low temperatures and do not need any special winter protection. In very cold regions, a layer of mulch can be helpful to protect the root system. Use Near-natural shade beds and woodland gardens are an ideal place for whitethroats. Good planting partners are, for example, worm fern (Dryopteris), mountain cranesbill (Geranium nodosum) or snow marbel (Luzula nivea). Under favorable conditions, they cover larger, shady areas. Important Polygonatum species and varieties The best-known white roots include Solomon's seal such as greater Solomon's seal (Polygonatum biflorum), fragrant or true Solomon's seal (Polygonatum odoratum) and many-flowered Solomon's seal, also known as many-flowered white root (Polygonatum multiflorum). There are now many beautiful cultivars. These include the white-green variegated Polygonatum falcatum 'Variegatum' and the flat-growing Polygonatum humile. Propagating white roots In addition to dividing the rhizomes, propagation can also take place by seed, although this is a slower process. Diseases and pests Polygonatum species are relatively robust. However, they can be eaten by slugs and leaf wasp larvae. Fungal diseases such as mildew also occur occasionally.