Perennial - Solomon’s Seal

Solomon’s Seal

Botanical Name

:

Polygonatum spp.

Plant Type

:

Herbaceous perennial

Seasons

:

Plant in spring or fall; blooms in late spring to early summer

Sun Level

:

Partial shade to full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight)

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

41 to 89.6 °F (5 to 32 ℃)

Soil Type

:

Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

Hardiness Zones

:

3–9 (USDA)

Germination

:

Can be slow and erratic from seed (takes up to one year). More commonly propagated by division

P.H. Level

:

5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Water/Irrigation

:

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Avoid soggy soil

Fertilization

:

Not typically required in rich soils. A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring can be beneficial in poor soils

Habit

:

Arching stems with alternately arranged leaves, spreading by rhizomes to form colonies.

Propagation

:

Division (in spring or fall), seed (but can be slow)

Final Plant Height

:

1–3 ft

Spread

:

1–2 ft

Flowers

:

Small, bell-shaped, white or greenish-white flowers that hang down from the stem in pairs or clusters

Attracts

:

Bees, hummingbirds

Uses

:

Ground cover in shade gardens, woodland gardens, naturalized areas

Companions

:

Hostas, ferns, astilbe, bleeding heart (Dicentra), other shade-loving plants

Pruning

:

Remove any dead or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring

Toxicity

:

Generally considered non-toxic, but as with any plant, it’s best to avoid consuming large quantities

Pests

:

Slugs, snails

Diseases

:

Powdery mildew, and leaf spots

Fun Fact

:

The common name “Solomon’s Seal” comes from the markings on the rhizome, which resemble the seal of King Solomon

Additional Info

:

Native to eastern North America. The name “Polygonatum” comes from the Greek words “poly” (many) and “gonu” (knee), referring to the jointed rhizomes

Botanical Name

:

Polygonatum spp.

Plant Type

:

Herbaceous perennial

Seasons

:

Plant in spring or fall; blooms in late spring to early summer

Sun Level

:

Partial shade to full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight)

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

41 to 89.6 °F (5 to 32 ℃)

Soil Type

:

Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

Hardiness Zones

:

3–9 (USDA)

Germination

:

Can be slow and erratic from seed (takes up to one year). More commonly propagated by division

P.H. Level

:

5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Water/Irrigation

:

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Avoid soggy soil

Fertilization

:

Not typically required in rich soils. A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring can be beneficial in poor soils

Habit

:

Arching stems with alternately arranged leaves, spreading by rhizomes to form colonies.

Propagation

:

Division (in spring or fall), seed (but can be slow)

Final Plant Height

:

1–3 ft

Spread

:

1–2 ft

Flowers

:

Small, bell-shaped, white or greenish-white flowers that hang down from the stem in pairs or clusters

Attracts

:

Bees, hummingbirds

Uses

:

Ground cover in shade gardens, woodland gardens, naturalized areas

Companions

:

Hostas, ferns, astilbe, bleeding heart (Dicentra), other shade-loving plants

Pruning

:

Remove any dead or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring

Toxicity

:

Generally considered non-toxic, but as with any plant, it’s best to avoid consuming large quantities

Pests

:

Slugs, snails

Diseases

:

Powdery mildew, and leaf spots

Fun Fact

:

The common name “Solomon’s Seal” comes from the markings on the rhizome, which resemble the seal of King Solomon

Additional Info

:

Native to eastern North America. The name “Polygonatum” comes from the Greek words “poly” (many) and “gonu” (knee), referring to the jointed rhizomes

Written by Nondiah Khalayi – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nondiah-khalayi/