Solomons Seal

Solomons Seal are native to woodlands in North America, and indeed can often be found growing in the wild. This is obviously a hardy and well adapted plant which will give you very little trouble.

You'll find that it is a relative of the Lily of the Valley, and that it's flowers greatly resemble that plant in shape and fragrance.

With it's graceful arching branches, and exquisite white flowers shaped like little bells and tipped with yellow or green, Solomons Seal plant is just the thing you need in your garden to usher in each new spring season.

The name of this plant originates from a mark where the stem rises out of the plant's rhizome – this can often look like two interlocked triangles, the legendary 'Star of David' and the symbol of Solomon.

The stems can grow up to four feet long and look extremely attractive with their blue green leaves, each over six inches in length. These leaves will turn golden yellow in autumn, and at that time the plant will have blue berries.

Generally speaking, as this is a woodland flower, you will need to try to create it's native environment to grow it successfully – but that's not really difficult.

All plants have a tendency to flourish and spread given the right conditions for their growth, and choosing a plant for your garden that is native to your climate is much better than attempting to grow some sub-tropical plant in conditions that are just not right for it's growth.

Growing conditions

To grow Solomons Seal, all you need to do it provide it with a rich humus-laden soil and sufficient, though not excessive, moisture.

A leaf compost is excellent for providing the organic components that Solomon's Seal needs, especially as it replicates conditions on a forest floor so accurately. As leaves from deciduous trees fall to the floor of the forest and then begin to rot, they form the kind of soil where plants like Solomon's Seal can thrive. Remember also that the soil needs to be kept moist, but it must never be marsh-like.

Propagation

Solomon's Seal is easily obtained from nurseries and garden centers. Don't 'steal' the plant from a wild habitat as this detracts from the natural beauty of the country.

Whether you plant rhizomes or transplants, this is best done in the spring or else in the fall. Remember if you attempt to grow this plant from seeds that it's seeds can sometimes take two years to germinate. When you plant transplants or even the rhizomes, put them into the soil to a depth of two inches, and space them about three inches apart.

Some additional advice

It goes without saying that this plant needs partial to deep shade. Put them under trees, or else somewhere where the shadow of a house, hedge or wall, will protect them from the sun during the hottest part of the day.

These plants are survivors and will not die easily once established. However, you will have to care for them carefully until they are established, always being careful to not let the soil dry fully.

You can mulch a little over winter, but the plant is very hardy and will usually survive winters that are not overwhelmingly harsh.

Remember that the berries are very attractive in their own right, so please don't 'deadhead' the flowers or the berries will not form.

Summary

Solomons seal is a relative of lily-of-the-valley, resembling the dainty fragrant bell shaped flowers. The long arching stems ranging from 3 to 4 feet are the main attraction. The leaves start half way up the stem and continue to the end. They are a rich deep green to bluish green and grow to 7 inches long.

The flowers are white with a yellow to green tips, which dangle down under the foliage. In Autumn the leaves turn a bright yellow and it bears blue-black berries.

While this wonderful flower for shade gardening will grow in just about any soil, even dry soil, it will do much better in a good composted, humus rich well drained soil. Add leaf mold before planting and keep on the moist side.

Propagate by division about every three years or so. It's a rather slow grower so have patience, it's well worth your time.

There are several species to choose from. I'm partial to the variegated, with it's creamy white edges (P. odoratum Variegatum). The P. commutatum (Great Solomon's Seal) has yellow flowers and grows to 6 feet. And let's not forget Fragrant Solomon's Seal with it's captivating fragrance.

When first planted loosen the soil, add compost and keep moist until well established. This shade tolerant flower likes a light and loose type of soil.

If you like long arching stems, this is the plant for you.Other names include Saint Mary's Seal and Lady's Seal.

Solomons Seal

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