This groundcover is perfect for shady, moist locations.
Solomons seal(Polygonatumspp.)
is a classic shade garden plant with arching stems that add an architectural component to garden beds.
Jerry Pavia.
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 plants spreading and clumping habit makes itan excellent groundcoverfor shady spots.
Credit: Jerry Pavia
Theres a world of little-known types of Solomons seal.
Some variegated selections are unique, and many plant sizes are available.
you could find dwarf forms less than 6 inches tall and varieties up to 12 feet tall.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
These arent usually found at commercial garden centers,so check online or at local specialty nurseries.
These plants make great backdrops for othershade-loving perennials in the garden.
New sprouts of Solomons seal emerge in spring and are ornamental in their own right.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
In some varieties, this new growth is gray-purple, which enhances the whole effect.
Solomons seal blossoms come in only a few colors.
The most common is white with green tips.
Credit: David McDonald
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.
Credit: Mike Jensen
Although birds and other wildlife relish them, the berries are toxic to humans.
Where to Plant Solomons Seal
Solomons seal is a perennial in USDA Zones 39.
Cool, humid, and shady locations are best.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
A dappled shade location is best.
Rhizomes can be dug up from an existing plant in spring after new growth appears.
They can grow in full shade but may look more spindly.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
In the fall, Solomons seal turns golden, which shows best where some sunlight can reach.
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
Solomons seal is hardy in Zones 3-9.
It handles cold temperatures better than hot ones another reason to plant them in shade.
Fertilizer
Pruning
Solomons seal doesnt require any pruning.
The leaves drop, and the plant dies back to the ground following a frost or two.
If any stems remain, they can be cut to the ground.
The plant returns the following spring.
Pests and Problems
Solomons seal sawfly is a serious pest.
The gray-white larvae are voracious eaters capable of stripping the leaves from the plant.
These plants spread through underground stems called rhizomes.
Rhizomes can bedivided in early spring or fallto create more plants.
Replant the rhizomes horizontally at 4-6 inches deep or the same growing depth as the original plant.
The rhizomes make these plants easy to contain in case you dont want them spreading.
The stout rhizomes are drought-tolerant and colonize well.
It may reach 5 feet tall.
Variegated Fragrant Solomons Seal
Polygonatum odoratumVariegatum has creamy-edged alternate leaves and pairs of hanging creamy bells.
It may grow 3 to 4 feet tall, is drought-tolerant, and is hardy in Zones 3-8.
Bleeding heart grows best in partial to full shade in moist, well-drained soil.
The rough basal leaves, spotted or plain, always yo and continue to be handsome into winter.
Provide high-humus soil that retains moisture.
Although lungworts can tolerate dry conditions, be alert for mildew.
They look almost like folded paper lanterns.Columbines thrive in sun or partial shadein moist, well-drained soil.
If you want to prevent self-seeding,deadhead themafter they bloom.
Coralbells
Exciting selections withincredible foliage patterns put coralbells on the map.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bees, bumblebees, and hummingbirds feed on the nectar of the flowers.
Chickens and woodland birds eat the berries.
The plants bloom for about three weeks in late spring to early summer.
After that, they develop berries.
North Carolina State University Extension.
