Solomon's Seal Polygonatum × hybridum
ABOUT
Polygonatum × hybridum, commonly known as the garden Solomon's seal, is a graceful plant that features arching stems. These stems bear alternating leaves which are typically a lush green color, and they carry a slightly glossy sheen. During the blooming season, the Solomon's seal produces small, tubular flowers. These blossoms hang delicately in pairs or singly from the leaf axils beneath the arching stems. After the flowering period, the plant may produce small, round berries that change in color from green to a dark, almost black hue when ripe. The leaves themselves are ovate with pointed tips and have parallel veins that contribute to their aesthetically pleasing texture. The plant's overall appearance is quite elegant, with its smooth lines and nodding flowers that give it a subdued yet attractive look in any garden setting. The Solomon's seal is appreciated for its visual charm and the gentle sway of its stems in the breeze, which provides a tranquil and naturalistic feel to the areas where it is planted.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Solomon's Seal, Hybrid Solomon's Seal, Striped Solomon's Seal, Variegated Solomon's Seal.
Common names
Polygonatum × hybridum.
ToxicityTo humans
Solomon's seal (Polygonatum × hybridum) is considered mildly toxic if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is important to avoid eating any part of the plant.
To pets
Solomon's seal (Polygonatum × hybridum) can also be toxic to pets if ingested, potentially causing symptoms similar to those in humans, such as gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhea. It is advisable to prevent pets from consuming parts of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Solomon's seal provides nectar for bees and other pollinating insects, supporting the local ecosystem.
- Erosion Control: The plant's root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and in shaded areas.
- Low Maintenance: Solomon's seal is known for being hardy and requires minimal care once established in the right conditions.
- Shade Tolerance: It thrives in shady areas where other plants might struggle, making it ideal for woodland gardens and shaded borders.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its arching stems, green leaves, and white, bell-shaped flowers, Solomon's seal adds visual interest to any garden.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides spring flowers and has foliage that turns yellow in the fall, offering multiple seasons of interest.
- Wildlife Support: The berries of Solomon's seal provide food for birds and other wildlife during the fall season.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation.
- Antioxidant: Offers potential oxidative damage protection due to antioxidant content.
- Immunomodulatory: Might influence immune system responses.
- Tonic: Traditionally used to strengthen or invigorate organ systems.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Polygonatum × hybridum, commonly known as Solomon's Seal, can be used as a natural dye. The roots can produce green and yellow hues when used to dye fabrics and yarn.
- The plant's rhizomes have been historically used as stencils for body decoration by certain cultures who imprint their skin with its patterns.
- Dried and powdered, the rhizomes may be infused into homemade soaps as an exfoliant and for adding texture.
- The stems can be incorporated into floral arrangements, both fresh and dried, for a rustic woodland aesthetic.
- Leaves from Solomon's Seal are sometimes used in the art of pressed flower crafts, where they are preserved and framed or used as embellishments due to their graceful shape.
- The plant can be planted to stabilize soil and prevent erosion due to its spreading nature and the ability of its root system to hold soil.
- Gardeners cultivate Solomon's Seal to create green ‘screens’ or underplanting in shaded areas where few other plants can thrive.
- Some people use the seed pods in decorative crafts because they add an unusual, textural element to hand-made creations.
- Polygonatum × hybridum may be planted in large containers for patio or urban gardening to provide a touch of nature in small, shaded spaces.
- In landscape design, Solomon's Seal is valuable for creating a varied texture and layering effect under taller shrubs and trees in woodland gardens.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSolomon's Seal is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySolomon's Seal is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Also known as Solomon's Seal, Polygonatum × hybridum is often associated with healing due to its medicinal properties used in traditional remedies.
- Protection: In folklore, Solomon's Seal was believed to ward off evil spirits, offering protective qualities to those who possessed it.
- Wisdom: The association with King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, bestows this plant with a symbolic meaning of wisdom and making judicious decisions.
WaterSolomon's Seal should be watered regularly to maintain moist, well-drained soil. Ensure that the soil is not soggy by checking it before watering. Typically, you should water this plant with about 1 inch of water per week. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to keep the soil consistently moist. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant. It is best to water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root growth.
LightSolomon's Seal thrives in partial to full shade. The best spot for this plant is an area that receives dappled sunlight or light shade throughout the day. It can tolerate a few hours of morning sun, but it should be protected from the harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureSolomon's Seal prefers cooler climates and does well in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F. It can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F but should be protected from frost. The plant may go dormant if exposed to temperatures above 85°F for extended periods. Ideally, maintain an environment within the preferred temperature range for optimal growth.
PruningPrune Solomon's Seal to remove dead or yellowing foliage, typically in late fall or early winter. This maintains the plant's appearance and health. Cut the stems back to the ground level after the leaves have yellowed. Pruning is not usually needed for shaping, but it is essential for removing dead or damaged growth. The best time for pruning is after the plant has gone dormant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSolomon's Seal (Polygonatum × hybridum) thrives in a well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or sand facilitates good drainage and mimics its natural woodland habitat.
RepottingSolomon's Seal should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to replenish the soil and provide space for its rhizomes to spread. It's best done after the flowering season, in the autumn.
Humidity & MistingSolomon's Seal prefers moderate to high humidity but can tolerate average household levels. Aim for 40-60% relative humidity for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Solomon's Seal in bright, indirect light indoors with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant Solomon's Seal in shade, keep soil moist, protect from wind.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cyclePolygonatum × hybridum, commonly known as hybrid Solomon's seal, starts its life cycle from a rhizome that sprouts in spring. The plant produces arching stems with alternate leaves and small, bell-shaped flowers that dangle from the leaf axils, typically blooming in late spring. After pollination, usually by bees, the flowers develop into small, berry-like fruits by late summer, which can be blue or black when ripe. These fruits contain seeds that, when dispersed, can germinate to form new rhizomes, although hybrid Solomon's seal often propagates vegetatively through its rhizome system. In autumn, the plant's foliage turns yellow and the stems die back to the ground, with the rhizome surviving underground during winter. It remains dormant until the next spring, when the cycle begins anew with the emergence of fresh growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagating Solomon's seal (Polygonatum × hybridum) is by division. This is best done in either the early spring as the shoots are emerging or in the late fall after the leaves have died back. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the rhizomes, making sure that each division has at least one bud. The divisions should then be replanted in moist, well-drained soil, placing them at the same depth they were growing previously. Space divisions about 12 inches (approx. 30 centimeters) apart to give them room to grow. This method is effective because the plant has a clumping habit and the rhizomes are relatively easy to divide and replant.
