Frank Vincentz / CC BY-SA 3.0
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.
How to Grow Solomons seal
Plant it in rich, moist, humusy woodland soil, at a slightly acidic pH of 5.5–7.
Exact sowing, transplanting, and harvest months shift by climate zone — the planting calendar below lays them out for cool through hot regions. Give it what it asks for here, and it will find its place in the garden.
Companion Planting & Soil
Solomons seal grows well alongside hosta, fern, astilbe, and wild ginger.
Good Companions
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 & Folk Use
In herbal and folk tradition, it has been valued in several ways: root poultice traditionally used for bruises and joint pain; tea from root used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for respiratory and kidney support. These are traditional uses, not medical advice.
Beyond the Garden
Solomons seal earns its keep past the plate, too: graceful native shade garden perennial; blue-black fall berries add seasonal interest; slowly colonizes for woodland ground cover.
