Ruby Slippers Solomon's Seal

Light Needs

Full Shade to Partial Shade

(0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

1 Foot

Mature Spread

1 Foot

Growing Zones

3 to 9

Polygonatum odoratum 'Ruby Slippers' is a striking, red-stemmed selection of Solomon’s seal. It has arching stems that are ruby red all the way to the base. The stems hold deep green, alternate leaves with silvery undersides. White pendulant flowers hang from leaf axils down the stem in late spring. The flowers are followed by blue berries, which are attractive to birds. This is a tough plant that easily grows in dry shade among competing tree roots. 

Ruby slippers form colonies that will slowly expand over time. It is a perennial that will go dormant in the winter or earlier if it receives too much sun. This is a larger selection of Solomon’s seal that reaches 20 inches high and works well as a ground cover. Plant it in groups in a woodland garden or use it to edge a garden path. Its form makes an excellent contrast to plantings with hostas and ferns.

Ruby Slippers Solomon's Seal Care

Ruby slippers prefer part shade to full shade. It grows best in rich loam, but can adapt to various soil types, including clay, sand, chalk, and clay. It prefers evenly moist soil that drains well, but can handle periods of drought once established. Water it regularly during the summer months, and mulch with high quality compost around the root zone to conserve moisture. 

Plant the rhizomes a few inches below the soil surface. Clean up spent foliage in early spring before new growth starts. It can be divided in spring or early fall.

Ruby Slippers Solomon's Seal Spacing

For planting in groups, space individual plants approximately 1 foot apart on center, in staggered rows.For container planting, select a weather-resistant pot at least 12 inches in diameter with drainage holes.