Nothing causes a novice gardener anxiety like this simple five-letter-word: SHADE. In the coming months, I hope to highlight a few plants that thrive in shade. The first plant I'd like to feature is Solomon's Seal, Polygonatum.
Solomon's Seal is an ugly duckling that quickly transforms into a swan each spring. It emerges from the warming soil with a tight, serpent-like envelope of blue-green foliage.
In the gentle heat of the spring sun, Solomon's Seal thrusts forward out of the ground gradually releasing its secret stash of leaves.
Jamie DeWolf's woodland garden in Mississauga, ON
When fully open, Solomon's Seal's has left its slightly sinister serpentine appearance far behind.
Solomon's Seal in my friend Donna's garden.
Bright green foliage alternate along the length of elegant stems that curve gently. The lance-shaped leaves remain attractive all summer long and then turn golden in fall.
Spring raindrops bead on the surface of the leaves and sparkle like diamonds.
White bells tipped with green are a wonderful spring bonus. These flowers don't require any deadheading. They drop to the ground naturally.
Solomon's Seal likes part-shade to full shade. It also likes organic-rich soil.
Solomon's Seal form a backdrop for hosta in this private Ontario garden.
Jamie DeWolf's garden
I find Solomon's Seal is slow to mature and requires a bit of patience. My garden is perhaps drier than it would like, so my Solomon's Seal hasn't taken off as well as it would have if conditions were more ideal. (It also doesn't help that the dogs flatten it on a regular basis!)
Eventually, Solomon's Seal will grow into a sizeable vase-shaped clump that is perfect for naturalizing in a woodland setting like the one you see above. The good news is that once established clumps of Solomon's Seal are long-lived and are relatively low-maintenance.
Private Garden, Mississauga Ontario
I wanted to show you this front garden because I think the slightly elevated placement of the clump of Solomon's Seal shows it off to perfection. (The Solomon's Seal is up near the corner of the garage in front of an Ornamental grass.)
A closeup of the previous garden
The tiny white flowers of this plant are somewhat understated and so the raised elevation makes it possible to enjoy a better view of them.
When sunlight hits the tiny flowers, they glow like a string of tiny twinkle-lights. Here are three basic varieties:
Polygonatum Biflorum is true Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' is a variegated form that has arching reddish colored stems and foliage that is edged with creamy-white. The fragrance of the flowers is lily-like. Height: 50-60 cm (20-23 inches) Spread: 30-45 cm (12-18 inches)
Giant Solomon's Seal, Polygonatum biflorum var. commutatum is one of the tallest varieties. Blue-black berries follow the flowers. Height: 90-120 cm (35-47 inches) Spread: 60-90 cm (23-35 inches).
Foamflower, Tiarella
Companion plants could include Brunnera, Heuchera, Hosta, Ferns, Hellebores and Foamflowers, and Bleeding Hearts.
Plant size: Depending on the cultivar this shade lover can range from 60-120 cm (23 -47 inches) and can spread to 60-90 cm (23-35 inches)
Shape: Vase-shaped
Flower: white bell-like flowers tipped with green
Bloom period: Early spring
Leaf color: Deer resistant bright green foliage
Light: Part-shade to shade
Growing Conditions: Moist, rich organic soil
Companion Plants: Hosta, Heuchera, Brunnera, Bleeding Heart, Ferns, Hellebores and Foamflower.
Divide: In early spring or early fall
USDA Zones: 3-9
Solomon's Seal is generally started by transplanting the plant's rhizomes rather than by seed. It may take several years before you would be able to make a plant division for propagation purposes. It's best to divide Solomon's Seal in early spring or early fall.
All things considered, it's a great plant for a shady garden.
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