Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum multiflorum) - Wildlife-Friendly Native (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free Bulbs)

Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum multiflorum) is a classic of woodland and hedgerow shade, its elegant arching stems carrying pairs of creamy, bell-like flowers in late spring. The blooms are visited by bumblebees and other long-tongued pollinators, and later ripen to blue-black berries that may be taken by birds in late summer. The softly layered foliage gives beautiful texture beneath trees, alongside ferns, violets, primroses and dog violets.

Planting & care:

• Position: Light to part shade; woodland edge or north/east beds.

• Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained; mix in leaf-mould/composted bark.

• Depth/spacing: Plant crowns/bulbs at 5-8 cm deep, 30-40 cm apart; water to settle.

• Aftercare: Keep evenly moist in spring; allow foliage to die back naturally to feed next year’s growth. Tolerates drier shade once established.

Folklore & heritage:
Named for the “seal” marks on the rhizomes - said to resemble King Solomon’s signet - this plant has long been linked to wisdom, protection and traditional herbal use (old apothecaries prized it for poultices on bruises). Today we celebrate it for shade beauty and wildlife support rather than medicine.

Wildlife truth note:
While not a top nectar plant, its late-spring flowers offer useful forage for bumblebees, and the berries may be eaten by some birds. The native Solomon’s-seal sawfly can feed on leaves - part of the natural woodland food web.

Joel says…
“Solomon’s Seal is the definition of elegant shade planting. Tuck it into a woodland edge with ferns and violets and it’ll look effortlessly natural. The bees do use those little bells, and the clumps just get better every year. As always, peat-free and ready to thrive.”

Safety note:
Poisonous if eaten (especially berries and rhizomes). Keep away from pets/livestock and avoid using vase water on edible crops. Sap may irritate sensitive skin - wear gloves if needed.

Why Wild Your Garden?
Unlike mass-produced plants from commercial growers, our wildflowers and bulbs come from small, peat-free, pesticide-free family nurseries that share our ethos. These growers use no herbicides, ensuring plants are safe for wildlife from the moment they arrive in your garden. Joel has used these trusted growers for 20+ years in his wildlife landscaping projects, so you can be confident they’re tried, tested, and genuinely wildlife-friendly. By buying from Wild Your Garden, you’re also supporting independent growers who put nature first.