A Shady Architectural Accent

A colony of Solomon's seal under conifer trees.

Dangling flowers are often hidden by foliage.

Arching stems bear alternate lance-shaped leaves.

Solomon's seal stems grow upright before they arch over.

Leaves are deep green and alternate.

Colonies form even under trees.

Bees love their flowers.

This multiflora Solomon's seal has flowers in clusters of three.

Spears grow in spring and develop into curved stems.

Emerging stems are an interesting work of art.

A shorter variegated cultivar.

Common Name:  Solomon’s seal
Botanical Name:  Polygonatum
Form:    arching, vase shaped
Family:  Asparagaceae
Genus:  Polygonatum
Plant Type: herbaceous perennial
Mature Size: 1 to 6 ft depending on species & cultivar
Growth: fast
Origin:  Europe, Asia
Hardiness Zone: 
Foliage:  green, alternate, sessile attachment clasp onto stems, lance shaped, 3”–8” long by 1”–4” wide
Flowers: white, tubular, 1” bell-shaped, groups of 2-7 at leaf axils underneath the stems
Fruit: small toxic, blue-black fruit
Stems:  non-woody (herbaceous), green, arching upright, 20” to 46”
Exposure:  shade, partial sun
Soil:  rich, moist
Uses:  mixed borders, under trees, shade gardens, woodland, cut flowers/stems
Attracts: bees
Invasive Tendencies: yes, due to underground rhizomes that colonize
Tolerates: shade, drought once established & deer
Propagation: rhizome divisions 
​Problems:  potentially invasive
Comments: 
Solomon’s seal is a vigorous perennial with long, arching stems and dangling bell-shaped flowers. It’s a welcome addition to shade gardens with its attractive architectural form.
 
There are several Polygonatum species and cultivars available, and not all have green foliage. Plant breeders have developed lovely, variegated cultivars with white or cream stripes that are slightly smaller and are not as aggressive as their green cousins.  Both types turn an attractive yellow in autumn before they die back in preparation for winter. They magically appear in spring with erect stems resembling nodding spears that gradually unfurl and arch. Alternately spaced, green, lance-shaped leaves line up on each side of the long stems. As the plant matures, the leaves become larger whilst their stems to curve downwards.
 
In April & May or June, tubular creamy white flowers with green serrated tips appear on the underside of the stems. They emerge at the leaf axils and are often hidden by the foliage. Depending on the species, the blossoms are in groups of 2 to 7. They are followed by bluish-black fruits that birds love.  
 
All Solomon seals spread grow from underground rhizomes, which quickly turn into colonies in favourable conditions. The white rhizomes are thick, fleshy and bear scars from where the previous stems arose. These scars resemble King Solomon’s seal, hence its common name.  
 
Growing Conditions
All types of Solomon’s seals prefer rich, moist, well-drained soils in partial to full shade.  They do well in dappled shade but avoid hot afternoon sun. Plant them under trees as they don’t mind the dry soil, overhead shade and the tree’s fallen leaves that cover the soil. If not planted under a tree, place a 3 inch layer of mulch around their base to help keep the soil moist in summer and to enrich the soil.
 
In autumn, after the foliage turns yellow, cut the stems back to the ground. Place the stems, preferably cut into pieces, around and on top of the rhizomes for winter protection. In spring, remove the dead stems from the top of the plant and place on the ground around the plant.
 
Solomon’s seals tolerate drought conditions once they are established. They are tough plants, but they don’t do well in sandy soil and hot sun. They don’t have any serious insects or diseases and are not favoured by deer. The only problem with Solomon’s seal is their colonies become larger and encroach on nearby plants.
 
Use Solomon’s seal in shady and woodland gardens, in mixed borders, foundation plantings, under trees. Their stems are suitable to use in cut flower arrangements.
 
Propagation: Dig up rhizomes in spring before new growth emerges or in autumn after the foliage turns yellow. To propagate, bury pieces of cut rhizomes horizontally just a few inches deep and keep evenly moist until established.

A variegated cultivar.

There are numerous variegated cultivars available.

Solomon's seal in their autumn colours under trees at VanDusen Botanical Gardens in November.

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