Polygonatum biflorum (Great Solomons Seal)

Polygonatum biflorum (Great Solomon’s Seal) is a shade-loving, rhizomatous perennial with arching stems boasting small clusters of 3-8 nodding, tubular, yellowish green to whitish green flowers in late spring. Gracefully hanging from the leaf axils, they are followed by ornamentally attractive deep purple berries in the fall.

Polygonatum biflorum (Great Solomon's Seal) is a shade-loving, rhizomatous perennial with arching stems boasting small clusters of 3-8 nodding, tubular, yellowish green to whitish green flowers in late spring. Gracefully hanging from the leaf axils, they are followed by ornamentally attractive deep purple berries in the fall. The elegant foliage of oval to oblong, mid-green leaves, turns attractive shades of yellow in the fall. A magnificent shade-loving plant that needs space to be displayed to advantage. Outstanding on the edge of moist woodland areas.

  • Grows up to 4-5 ft. tall (120-150 cm) and spreads 2 ft. (60 cm). May reach up to 7 ft. in height if happy (210 cm). Slowly spreads by rhizomes to form colonies in optimum growing conditions.
  • Best grown in part shade to full shade in fertile, humus-rich, dry to moist, well-drained soils. Prefers cool sun-dappled shady areas and dislikes hot summer conditions.
  • Perfect for shade gardens and woodland gardens. A great companion plant to other shade lovers including hostas, ferns, and astilbes.
  • Virtually pest-free, disease-free and low maintenance but watch for slugs.
  • Propagate by division in early spring or in the fall.
  • All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested
  • Native to eastern North America.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 7

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Polygonatum – Solomon's Seals
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early)
Height 4'
– 5'
(120cm
– 150cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 24″ (60cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Rocky Mountains, Wyoming, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Dry Soil
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage