Growing Solomon's Seal

Botanical Name:

Polygonatum biflorum

Life Cycle:

perennial

Planting Time:

spring or fall

Height:

1' to 6'

Exposure:

shade

Soil:

rich, moist, well-drained soil with am acidic to neutral pH

Hardiness:

zones 3-9

Bloom Time:

late summer to early fall

Flower:

greenish-white, bell-shaped flowers; produces blue berries

Foliage:

green, tints to yellow in fall

Propagation:

seeds and division of rhizomes

Suggested Use:

beds, borders, groundcovers, banks by streams and shade gardens

Growing Hints:

Plant rhizomes in spring or fall 1 to 2 inches deep and spaced 1 to 2 inches apart. Plants produce blue berries and can also be sown from ripened seed in the fall (separate seed from pulp), but expect to wait between two and four years for them to flower. Divide plants in the spring, or let them spread and reseed themselves.

Interesting Facts:

Solomon's seal is native to North America and well-suited to growing in the coniferous forests of the Northeastern and Southeastern United States as well as deciduous woodland and prairie environments. Plants tend to be deer resistant.