This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: May to July
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  An upright, rhizomatous perennial with narrow leaves arranged in whorls on the arching stems. Small, greeny-white pendant flowers are followed by bright red spherical fruits hanging below the foliage, which emerge bronze, change to deep green, and then turn a golden yellow in autumn. A botanical curiosity suited to heavier soils and wetter, shadier areas of the garden.
  
  
• Garden care: Polygonatum do not like dry soil. Cut the plant down to the ground in autumn. Lift and divide large colonies in early spring, taking care not to damage the young shoots. Apply a mulch of well-rotted leafmould or garden compost in spring.