Giant Solomon's Seal

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Partial Sun

(3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-7 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Solomon’s Seal is a woodland native with a gracefully arching shape and flowers that resemble Lily of the Valley in late spring. This native of Eastern North America is at home in damp woodland gardens, along a stream or boggy area, and in cottage gardens alongside spring-blooming bulbs and hardy annuals. The sturdy, green stems and broad leaves are long lived in the summer and die back in the fall when the plant goes dormant. Although there is a bit of controversy over the correct scientific name for Giant Solomon’s Seal, Polygonatum biflorum var. commutatum is most often used. 

Giant Solomon’s Seal multiplies by underground rhizomes and is not considered an overly aggressive spreader. In the Eastern United States, where Solomon’s Seal is native, this plant is found along waterways, in forests, and on roadside embankments. Giant Solomon’s Seal is rarely browsed by deer, even in areas with high populations. This plant can easily naturalize an area and act as a weed suppressor.

Giant Solomon’s Seal Care

Solomon’s Seal prefers damp, shaded areas with a neutral soil pH. Provide plenty of organic compost or shredded leaves to mulch the root zone. Solomon’s Seal is an early spring perennial that will start to die back during the hottest portion of the summer. In extremely hot years, the plant may go into dormancy early. This is normal and will not affect growth in the following year. 

Deadheading is not necessary for Giant Solomon’s Seal. The spent blooms mature into black berries that are nutritious for all kinds of local wildlife. Although birds can eat the berries, they (along with all other parts of the plant) are toxic for humans and pets. Divide clumps of Solomon’s Seal every 3-4 years to keep the plant healthy and vigorous. The best time of year to divide plants is in very early spring, before any growth emerges, or late in the summer, just after the foliage has died back. Make sure to keep newly planted divisions well watered.

Giant Solomon's Seal Spacing

Solomon’s Seals are narrow plants that occupy a vertical space. The mature height can be as tall as 7 feet, while the width of individual plants is only 3-4 inches. Giant Solomon’s Seal is best planted in large groupings. Space each clump of plants 12 inches apart, center on center.