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Solomon’s seal is a classic shade garden plant with arching stems, small white spring blooms, and bluish-black berries.

How to Plant and Grow Solomon’s Seal This classic shade garden plant is perfect for moist locations. By Lynn McAlpine Updated on May 17, 2026 In This Article Where to Plant Planting Tips Care Pests and Problems Propagation Types Companion Plants Garden Plan FAQ Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum spp.) is a classic shade garden plant with arching stems that add an architectural component to garden beds. In spring, the stems are lined with small, bell-shaped, white blooms. These blossoms later give way to bluish-black berries that wildlife love. This plant’s spreading and clumping habit makes it an excellent groundcover for shady spots. There’s a world of little-known types of Solomon’s seal, including some variegated selections, and many plant sizes are available. You can find dwarf forms 6 inches tall and others up to 6 feet tall, with a few growing even taller. These aren’t usually found at commercial garden centers, so check online or at local specialty nurseries. Jerry Pavia. These plants make great backdrops for other shade-loving perennials in the garden. New sprouts of Solomon’s seal emerge in spring and are ornamental in their own right. In some varieties, this new growth is gray-purple, which enhances the effect. Solomon’s seal blossoms come in only a few colors. The most common is white with green tips. A few species offer blooms in purple, pink, or orange. The flowers are often lightly fragrant. Once the blooms have finished, berries take their place. Although birds and other wildlife relish them, Solomon’s seal berries are toxic to humans.1 Solomon’s Seal Overview GENUS NAME Polygonatum COMMON NAME Solomon’s Seal PLANT TYPE Perennial LIGHT Part Sun, Shade HEIGHT 1 to 6 feet WIDTH 1 to 2 feet FLOWER COLOR Green, Pink, White FOLIAGE COLOR Blue/Green SEASON FEATURES Colorful Fall Foliage, Spring Bloom SPECIAL FEATURES Cut Flowers, Fragrance, Good for Containers, Low Maintenance ZONES 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 PROPAGATION Division PROBLEM SOLVERS Drought Tolerant Where to Plant Solomon’s Seal Solomon’s seal is a perennial in USDA Zones 3–9. It 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. How and When to Plant Solomon’s Seal Plant Solomon’s seal rhizomes in spring or fall for optimal growth. For large rhizomes, cut them into smaller sections, ensuring each piece has growing nodes to establish multiple plants. Plant them horizontally about 4–6 inches deep in moist soil, spacing them 3 feet apart to accommodate their spreading habit. Choose a location with dappled shade for best results. You can dig up rhizomes from existing plants in the spring once new growth starts. Before acquiring a new plant, make sure your environment meets its needs. Not every plant will do well in every location. Solomon’s Seal Care Tips It’s relatively easy to grow Solomon’s seal if the plant’s basic needs are met. Light Due to their love of shade, these plants are often found growing in the dappled light under large shade trees. They can grow in full shade but may look more spindly. In the fall, Solomon’s seal turns golden, which shows best where some sunlight can reach. If you plant them in some sun, they’ll do better in cool morning sun than in hot afternoon sun. Soil and Water This plant prefers rich soil with plenty of organic matter and moisture. Once established, it can survive short periods of drought fairly well. However, during extended dry periods, it appreciates extra water. Temperature and Humidity Solomon’s seal is hardy in USDA 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. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a commercial fertilizer. Pruning Solomon’s seal doesn’t require any pruning. The leaves drop, and the plant dies back to the ground following a frost or two. If any stems remain, cut them to the ground. The plant returns the following spring. Potting and Repotting Add Solomon’s seal to a container garden by potting it in well-draining potting soil in a 12- to 18-inch-wide container. Due to the lack of space, it won’t create many new rhizomes while in a pot, but you can move it to shadier or cooler positions as the temperature heats up in the summer. The plant likely won’t require repotting for two or three years, but if any roots appear at the drainage hole, repot it in a larger container. The plant dies back when winter arrives, and the container can be left outdoors or moved into a sheltered area. The 7 Best Potting Soils Keep Your Plants Happy and Healthy Pests and Problems Solomon’s seal sawfly larvae are gray-whi...