Give yourself a pat on the back if you grow Solomon’s seal. You are as perceptive and wise as the biblical figure for whom this marvelous plant is named.
A member of the lily family, Solomon’s seal ranks among the top flowering perennials for shade. It sports dainty blossoms, terrific foliage, and a graceful form. Plus, it’s easy to divide and give away. This trait comes in handy when you covet a start from your neighbor’s garden.
Many species of Solomon’s seal exist, but the one shown here, Polygonatum odoratum, is most widely planted in the South. Don’t let “odoratum” scare you. It just means the flowers smell sweet.

Pretty Blooms and Leaves
Each spring, arching stems rise up to 36 inches tall from spreading roots called rhizomes. White, bell-shaped blooms with green tips dangle from the joints of leaves and stems in May. These fragrant blossoms occur singly or in pairs. Bright green, oval-to-broadly elliptical leaves stairstep up the stems. ‘Variegatum’ offers striking foliage edged in white.
If you like the plant’s opening act in spring, just wait until autumn’s curtain call. The leaves and stems turn bright yellow in October and November, earning a final round of applause as the season closes.

Where To Grow
Plant Solomon’s seal in a shade or woodland garden where its roots can spread to form lush clumps. It likes loose, moist, fertile soil containing lots of organic matter. Hostas, ferns, hellebores, astilbes, foamflowers, and other shade-loving plants are great companions for it. You can also grow it in containers.
It’s easy to divide this perennial to get more plants. Do it in late fall while you can still see the old stems or in spring just as new growth pops from the ground. Place a trowel or small shovel between the stems, and then sink it all the way through the roots of the clump. Remove the division, and plant it elsewhere.
Adding this green gem to your shade garden is one smart move. It has Solomon’s seal of approval.

At a Glance
Solomon’s Seal
• Size:18 to 36 inches tall
• Light: shade
• Soil: moist and fertile with lots of organic matter
• Pests: none serious
• Divide: late fall and early spring
• Range: Upper, Middle, and Lower South

"Smart Choice for Shade" is from the May 2008 issue of Southern Living.