Polygonatum, Solomon’s seal, is a perennial plant native to North America. This spring flowering plant grows well in a woodland garden because it favors cool, organic soil found under shady trees.
Where to Plant Solomon’s Seal
Solomon’s seal grows well in landscaped shade gardens or woodland settings, under tree canopies. A native of most of North America, it is very hardy in zones 3 – 9. Naturalized areas, wild gardens or natives-only gardens will benefit from using this plant. In a residential area, it will grow well on the north side of a house.
Solomon’s seal is a good companion for flowering plants with similar growing conditions. The long green stems will contrast with smaller-sized Hosta, Dicentra’s ferny leaves or the tiny spring blooming flowers of Brunnera. The attractive yellow to sable brown fall color is considered a pleasant quality.
Most flower gardens are planted in full sun; plant Solomon’s seal in a shady cutting garden for its green leaves used in cut flower arrangements. This plant has parts that are poisonous so is not a good choice where children or pets play.
Polygonatum ‘Variegatum’ has leaf margins and tips edged with white. This plant is fragrant and a very good choice for evening gardens.
Polygonatum Plants
Leaves of Polygonatum are paired along graceful stems that gently bend in an arc. Each leaf is about four inches long, wider at the center and tapering to the tip. They are shiny green on the upper side and paler green resulting from the tiny hairs that cover the underside.
The early spring blooming flowers are yellowish green to white tiny bells, one to three hanging from the lower side of each leafy stem. After flowering, bluish black fruit may appear in fall.
The plant grows to 2 – 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Solomon’s seal is a slow grower, preferring dense shade and cool moist rich organic soil. Once established in the garden, this plant is long lived and drought tolerant.
Solomon’s seal is a low maintenance plant. There are no issues with disease or insects, requires no deadheading or pruning and requires infrequent dividing to stay healthy. Fall clean up is not required as leaves and stems loosen and drop off after frost.
However, if more plants are wanted, propagation of Solomon’s seal is easy by division. Dig up the rhizome in spring after flowering, cut apart with a very sharp knife and replant.
False Solomon’s Seal
Sometimes confused with Polygonatum, Smilacina racemosum commonly called false Solomon’s seal is distinguished by the feathered plume shaped flowers at the top of the stem and leaves alternating along the stem.
False Solomon’s seal is a native of North American and a large woodland plant. Hardiness range is slightly less, appropriate for zones 3 – 7.
More resources:
Shade Plant Ideas for Flower Gardens
Permission received for all photos used in this article.
Chris Eirschele - Chris writes on plants grown and gardens explored; she is a member of the Garden Writers Association.
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