Whorled Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum verticillatum) - Wildlife-Friendly Woodland (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free Bulbs)

Polygonatum verticillatum brings a distinctive look to shade planting: instead of arching, its stems rise more upright, set with whorled leaves (typically 4-8 per node) and dotted with small, tubular, greenish-white flowers that hang from the leaf axils in late spring into early summer. Through late summer the flowers give way to ornamental red berries, while the foliage makes a beautifully ordered, naturalistic woodland texture beneath trees or along hedgerows.

Wildlife truth: Not a top-tier nectar plant, but the bell flowers are used by bumblebees and other long-tongued pollinators on mild days. As with other Solomon’s Seals, it plays a modest role in the woodland food web (you may occasionally see the Solomon’s-seal sawfly - a natural part of the ecosystem).

Planting & care:

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

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

• Depth/spacing: Plant rhizomes/crowns 5-8 cm deep and 30-40 cm apart.

• Aftercare: Keep evenly moist in spring; mulch annually with leaf-mould. Allow foliage to die back naturally; clumps are long-lived if left undisturbed and will naturalise slowly.

Folklore & heritage:
Like its cousins, Whorled Solomon’s Seal is linked to the old tales of King Solomon’s signet “seals” on the rhizomes - symbols of wisdom and protection in herbals. In gardens it’s prized for quiet elegance in shade rather than showiness, bringing a refined woodland character.

Conservation / provenance note:
Very local and scarce in the wild in Britain. Our stock is nursery-grown, peat-free and pesticide-free - never wild-dug.

Joel says…
“If you want a tidy, natural woodland look, Whorled Solomon’s Seal is brilliant. Those whorled leaves give lovely rhythm through the shade, and the red berries finish the season nicely. Plant it deep, mulch with leaf-mould, and let it get on with it. As always, peat-free and ready to thrive.”

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