Great Solomon's Seal

Polygonatum commutatum

$16.00 Sold out

| Hardiness Zones 3-8

This is a tall woodland perennial with unbranched stems bearing alternate delightfully oriented oval leaves and whitish pendant flowers in the leaf axils followed by black berries. A choice colonizing plant for the moist shady woodland garden. Native to Eastern North America.
Plant Specs
  • Zones: 3 - 8
  • Sun: Part Shade and Full Shade
  • Soil: Well-drained and Rich
  • Height at Maturity: 2 - 4 Feet
  • Spread at Maturity: 12 - 15 Inches
  • Growth Rate: Moderate

Dies back, depends on zone
Flower/Foliage

Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer.

Flower Color: The plant produces small, bell-shaped, creamy-white flowers that hang gracefully from the underside of the arching stems.

Fragrance: The flowers have a light, sweet fragrance that is noticeable on warm days.

Appearance: The flowers are often arranged in pairs and dangle from the leaf axils. After blooming, the plant may produce small, dark blue to black berries.

Attractiveness: The delicate flowers add a subtle charm to shaded gardens, and the foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, turning a golden yellow in the fall.

Whitish pendant flowers in axils
Care Info

Read full care instruction manual here.

Light Requirements:

  • Partial to Full Shade: Polygonatum commutatum thrives in dappled shade, making it an ideal plant for woodland gardens or shaded areas of your garden.

Soil Requirements:

  • Well-Drained, Rich Soil: This plant prefers organically rich, well-drained soil. Amend the soil with compost or leaf mold to improve fertility and drainage.

Watering:

  • Moderate Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season. Avoid waterlogged conditions, but do not let the soil dry out completely.

Planting Instructions:

  • Depth: Plant the rhizomes 2-3 inches deep in the soil, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart to allow room for growth.
  • Time: The best time to plant is in early spring or late fall when the plant is dormant.

Care Tips:

  • Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
  • Pruning: After the plant has finished flowering, you can cut back the stems to the ground in late fall or early winter to tidy up the garden.
  • Dividing: Every 3-4 years, divide the rhizomes in the fall to propagate new plants and prevent overcrowding.

Pest and Disease Control:

  • Polygonatum commutatum is generally pest-free but watch out for slugs and snails, which may damage the leaves. Use organic slug repellents if necessary.
  • Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases, though this plant is typically quite resilient.

Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:
from rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.