There’s a whole world of little-known types of Solomon’s seal. Some variegated selections are truly unique, and many plant sizes are available. You can find dwarf forms less than 6 inches tall and varieties up to 12 feet tall. These can be pricey and aren’t usually found at commercial garden centers, so check online or at local specialty nurseries. Although birds and other wildlife relish the berries, all parts of the plant—particularly the berries—are toxic to humans.
Flowers and Foliage
These plants, with their clean green foliage, make great backdrops for other shade-loving perennials in the garden. New sprouts of Solomon’s seal emerge in early spring and are ornamental in their own right, resembling green wands that wave playfully in the breeze. In some varieties, this new growth is flushed gray-purple, which enhances the whole effect. Solomon’s seal blossoms come in only a few colors. The most common is white with green tips. A few obscure species offer blooms in purple, pink, or orange. The flowers are often lightly fragrant. Once the blooms have finished, berries take their place. These berries begin green and age to a purple-blue; then, they turn black.
Where to Plant Solomon’s Seal
Solomon’s seal thrives in moist, rich, well-drained soil and shady areas, often under trees—think of woodland or shade gardens. Cool, humid, and shady locations are best.
Solomon’s Seal Care Tips
Light
Due to their love of shade, these plants are often found growing in the dappled light under large shade trees. They can take full shade but may look a bit more spindly. In fall, Solomon’s seal turns golden, which shows best where some sunlight can reach. If you plant them in some direct sun, they’ll do better in cool morning sun than in hot afternoon sun.
Soil and Water
It’s fairly easy to grow Solomon’s seals. They prefer rich soil with plenty of organic matter, lots of moisture, and a shady spot. Once they’re established, they’re able to survive short droughts fairly well. During longer dry periods, however, they appreciate extra water.
Temperature and Humidity
Solomon’s seal is hardy in Zones 3-9. It handles cold temperatures better than hot ones— another reason to plant them in shade. This plant flourishes in humid areas, although a fungal disease that discolors the leaves sometimes occurs in locations with very high humidity.
Fertilizer
These plants like plenty of organic matter, so incorporate it into the soil when you first plant. After that, feed the plants with compost or an organic fertilizer once a year.
Pests and Problems
Solomon’s seal sawfly is a serious pest. The gray-white larvae are voracious eaters capable of stripping the leaves from the plant. A vigilant gardener can pick the sawfly caterpillars off the leaves before they do much damage or apply a commercial product that contains a mixture of nematodes that kill sawflies.
How to Propagate Solomon’s Seal
Solomon’s seals are steady growers and can form dense colonies over the years. These plants spread through underground stems called rhizomes. Rhizomes can be divided in early spring or fall to create more plants. Dig up the plants and carefully separate or cut apart the rhizomes, leaving several growing points on each division. The rhizomes make these plants easy to contain in case you don’t want them spreading too far.
Types of Solomon’s Seal
Common Solomon’s Seal
Polygonatum x hybridum has gently arching stems with dangling pairs or clusters of cream flowers in late spring. The stout rhizomes are drought-tolerant and colonize well. It may reach 5 feet tall. Zones 3-8.
Variegated Fragrant Solomon’s Seal
Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’ has creamy-edged alternate leaves and usually pairs of hanging creamy bells. It may grow 3 to 4 feet tall, is drought-tolerant, and is hardy in Zones 3-8.
Solomon’s Seal Companion Plants
Bleeding Heart
Once you get a look at a bleeding heart’s pink or white heart-shaped blooms, you know where the plant got its common name. Bleeding hearts grow best in partial to full shade in moist, well-drained soil. Some types bloom only in spring, while others bloom in spring, summer, and fall, provided temperatures aren’t too high.
Lungwort
In early spring, the brilliant blue, pink, or white flowers of lungwort bloom despite the coldest chill. The rough basal leaves, spotted or plain, always please and continue to be handsome into winter. Planted close as a weed-discouraging groundcover, in borders as edgings, or as bright accent plants, lungworts are workhorses that retain their good looks. Provide high-humus soil that retains moisture. Although lungworts can tolerate dry conditions, be alert for mildew.
Columbine
Perfect for cottage and woodland gardens, old-fashioned columbines are available in almost all the colors of the rainbow. The intricate little flowers are commonly a combination of red, peach, and yellow, but they also bloom in blues, white, pure yellow, and pink. They look almost like folded paper lanterns. Columbines thrive in sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. Plants tend to be short-lived, but they self-seed readily, often creating natural hybrids with other nearby columbines. If you want to prevent self-seeding, deadhead them after they bloom.
Coralbells
Exciting selections with incredible foliage patterns put coralbells on the map. Once enjoyed mainly for their spires of dainty reddish flowers, coralbells are also grown for the unusual mottling and veining of different-colored leaves. The low clumps of long-stemmed evergreen or semi-evergreen lobed foliage make coralbells a fine groundcover plant. They enjoy humus-rich, moisture-retaining soil. Beware of heaving in areas with very cold winters.
Garden Plans for Solomon’s Seal
Beginner Garden for Shade
This low-maintenance, foolproof shade garden is attractive in three seasons, but particularly throughout late winter and spring. Witch hazel and astilbe light up the early season with their cheerful blooms. The striking leaves of hosta and Solomon’s seal ensure that the garden is attractive even when the flowers aren’t in bloom.
