Guide to Growing Variegated Solomon’s Seal

Variegated Soloman Seal (Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’) is a shade-loving perennial that grows 2-3 feet tall, slowly spreading through a garden by underground roots called rhizomes. Beautiful arching stems are covered with fragrant white blooms (late spring to summer).

Ideal Zones: 3 through 7

A favorite in my garden, the Variegated Solomon’s Seal earned the 2013 Perennial Plant of the Year award from the Perennial Plant Association. It’s easy to see why, it’s a beautiful addition to any garden. We also love to use clippings in floral arrangements.

How did Solomon’s Seal get its name?

Also called King’s Solomon Seal, the plant gets is name because the scars on the plant where the leaves have dropped resemble the sixth seal of King Solomon.

How does Solomon’s Seal spread?

It spreads by underground stems called rhizomes.  The best time to divide the rhizomes is in spring or early fall. 

How to Plant Solomon’s Seal:

Plant the rhizomes in rich soil about 2 inches deep and about 4 inches apart.  Water well when first planted and after it is established, it can tolerant less water.

It loves rich, moist and well-drained soil, as it’s native to the woods. Be sure to plant it where you have space around for it to grow. You can also divide, in the spring, to move it to other shaded areas of your garden. Just be careful not to harm the young, brittle shoots. Once established, they are very drought-tolerant.

Solomon’s Seal makes a great companion plant to other shade-lovers like hostas and ferns.

Does Solomon’s Seal die back in the fall?

It’s not necessary to fully cut back the plant. The leaves will naturally drop off after the first frost or two.  The stems can be cut to the ground at that time, if needed.

Does Variegated Solomon’s Seal bloom?

It flowers in the spring and is fragrant.  Little, dropping clusters of tubular flowers appear in April or May.  The flowers resemble a larger lily-of-the-valley bloom.  They dangle beneath the stems. The leaves make great foliage additions to floral arrangements.  

Is Solomon’s Seal plant poisonous to dogs?

Yes, it can be, if ingested, the leaves and flowers can cause digestive and cardiac intoxication, mainly in dogs or other animals.