Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum odoratum
Also known as
Fragrant Solomon Seal, Angular Soloman's seal
Full Shade
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H7
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
85cm | Max | 30cm |
60cm | Min | 20cm |
5 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
Solomon's Seal Overview
Polygonatum odoratum is commonly known as Solomon's Seal. It first appears in early spring, producing delicate, arching stems with paired oval leaves along their length. The stems soon then sprout dangling, green-tipped, white, bell-like flowers that persist throughout late spring and into the summer. Solomon's Seal is a traditional cottage plant that enjoys woodland conditions and thrives in a cool shady environment, perfect for brightening up a darker corner of your garden. It holds interest even after flowers have gone with their interesting arching architecture and glossy green foliage. This plant is one of three native species to the UK, with the others being P. multiflorum and P. verticillatum.
Common problems with Solomon's Seal
Solomon's Seal Companion Plants
Plant with shade loving woodland plants like: Hosta, Brunnera and Sweet Woodruff.
How to harvest Solomon's Seal
Seeds can be collected from berries, but a laborious process including lengthy stratification result in sporadic and unsuccessful germination.
How to propagate Solomon's Seal
Seed
Solomon's Seal can be grown from seed, but requires a lengthy stratification period over 2 years, and gives a low level of successful germination.
Rhizomes
Delicately dig up and divide the rhizomes in spring. Be careful not to damage the roots when dividing and make sure transplanted sections have viable growing buds.
Division
Division of the rhizomes in spring or autumn.
Special features of Solomon's Seal
Attracts birds
Dark purple to black berries appear towards the end of summer and are soon consumed by local bird life.
Attractive flowers
Other uses of Solomon's Seal
Walls, rock garden, under shrubs. Blue berries
Ornamental
It is grown as a garden specimen, ideal for moist shaded areas.
Medicinal
Polygonatum odoratum is used in traditional Chinese medicine and traditional Korean medicine, where it is called yùzhú and dunggulle respectively. In Korea, the root of the plant is used to make tea.