Frank Vincentz / CC BY-SA 3.0
garden
Solomons seal
Overview
An elegant native woodland perennial whose arching stems carry rows of dangling white bell-shaped flowers beneath the foliage. Solomon's seal spreads slowly by rhizome to form graceful colonies in shade gardens, and its fall display of blue-black berries is quietly beautiful. The name comes from the circular scars on the rhizome that resemble the seal of King Solomon.
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH5.5 — 7
Soil TypeRich, moist, humusy woodland soil
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant rhizomes in spring; elegant arching stems; shade perennial |
| Cold (1-2) | Bloom | May — Jun | White bell-shaped flowers dangle beneath arching stems; blue-black berries in fall |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in spring; moist, humus-rich woodland soil; shade to part shade |
| Cool (3-4) | Bloom | May — Jun | Late spring bloom; pairs beautifully with ferns and hostas |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in spring; graceful arching stems with dangling white bells |
| Moderate (5-7) | Bloom | Apr — May | Spring bloom; yellow fall foliage; slowly forms colonies |
| Moderate (5-7) | Divide | Mar — Apr | Divide rhizomes in spring every 5+ years; each piece needs growing eyes |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant in late winter; needs shade and consistent moisture |
| Warm (8-9) | Bloom | Mar — Apr | Early spring bloom; deer resistant |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Nov — Dec | Plant in fall; deep shade essential in hot zones |
| Hot (10+) | Bloom | Feb — Mar | Late winter/spring bloom |
Uses
Medicinal
- Root poultice traditionally used for bruises and joint pain
- Tea from root used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for respiratory and kidney support
Other Uses
- Graceful native shade garden perennial
- Blue-black fall berries add seasonal interest
- Slowly colonizes for woodland ground cover
