Jane, Yes, Diana, Hinkley, Kelly & Sue, and others have introduced some great Chinese and NE Indian Polygonatum into cultivation. I still need to get Diana's collections. Most of the European forms of verticillatum I have are relatively small and usually remain under 2 feet tall. They have terete spreading rhizomes and make small patches. Most of the Polygonatum prefer their rhizomes right at or just below the soil surface. Planted too deeply can lead to rot, but can also lead to quicker rhizome branching in species that typically offset. Aaron -------------------------------------------- On Sat, 3/8/14, Jane McGary <janemcgary@earthlink.net> wrote: Subject: Re: [pbs] Polygonatum vert. "Himalayan Giant" To: "Pacific Bulb Society" <pbs@lists.ibiblio.org> Date: Saturday, March 8, 2014, 1:22 AM That seems to explain why I have two different-looking plants under the name Polygonatum verticillatum. One is larger than the other in all parts and spreads faster too. Several interesting Polygonatum species have shown up at nurseries and plant sales in the Portland, Oregon area in recent years, particularly some introduced by Diana Reeck of Collectors Nursery. They are a useful foliage contrast with other shade-tolerant plants such as hostas and ferns, and the stems in flower or later can be cut for elegant, long-lasting arrangements. Although some spread fast, they are shallow-rooted (here, anyway) and thus easily controlled. Jane McGary Portland, Oregon, USA