Variegated 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

4 to 8

Solomon’s Seal is a traditional shady and woodland garden plant. The typical green variety has a tendency to spread rapidly and pop where you would least expect it. The Variegated Solomon’s Seal is a much more restrained and well behaved sibling. The tall stems of shiny green leaves have very thin margins of white that is just enough to catch your eye. Variegated Solomon’s Seal is not flashy like other variegated plants. This refined elegance makes it an easy addition to an already established planting.

Solomon’s Seal also changes to a lovely soft yellow color as the first frosts hit. Deer rarely browse on the thick leaves. Slugs can be an issue as the new growth emerges in the spring. Once plants grow a few inches, they are no longer a threat. Solomon’s Seal looks best in large clumps. The tiny white flowers that appear along the stem drip down and move with the lightest of breezes. Companion plants would include other shade lovers such as Hosta, Astilbe, Foam Flower and Heuchera varieties. The cut flower and foliage stems make interesting additions to a floral arrangement.

Variegated Solomon’s Seal Care

Solomon’s Seal needs part sun to full shade with a well drained soil that is also moisture retentive. Mulching these plants on a regular basis with an organic compost or leaves will improve the soil over time. Average to sandy soil is preferred to a heavy soil with a lot of clay. Drainage during the winter is very important. Solomon’s Seal will easily rot from cold, waterlogged soil.

Fertilizing should only need to be done once in the early spring as the new growth emerges. Use a well balanced, slow release feed. Cutting back of old growth may be done either in the spring or in the fall as die back naturally happens. Spring clean up is preferred in the cold of the hardiness zones. The mulch provided from the old growth will help to insulate the plant crown.

Variegated Solomon’s Seal Spacing

The clumps may be slower to form for Variegated Solomon’s Seal, but they will eventually reach a height of 18-20 inches and a spread of 12-15 inches. Spacing of plants at 12 inches on center is recommended.