Also known as Solomon's Seal · 681 gardener saves
Polygonatum: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Polygonatum, the genus most gardeners know as solomon's seal. We track 26 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Polygonatum varieties
Of 26 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedVariegated Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum'
#2 most savedSolomon's Seal
Polygonatum biflorum
#3 most savedFalcate Solomon's Seal Silver Lining
Polygonatum falcatum 'Silver Lining'
Solomon's Seal Grace Barker
Polygonatum x hybridum 'Grace Barker'
Dwarf Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum humile 'Dwarf Solomon's Seal'
Great Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum biflorum 'commutatum'
Spotted Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum punctatum 'BSWJ2395'
Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum macropodum
Lemon Seoul Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum infundiflorum 'Lemon Seoul'
Large Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum odoratum 'Byakko'
Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum commutatum
Koryu Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum odoratum 'Koryu'
Browse all 26 Polygonatum varieties →
How to grow Polygonatum
What the Polygonatum varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 26 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Polygonatum year
- DivideMarch, September and October100% of varieties
Divide crowded clumps every 3-5 years in early fall.
- MulchMarch and April85% of varieties
Refresh mulch layer to maintain soil moisture and coolness.
- Spring CleanupFebruary73% of varieties
Cut back old, dead stems to the ground before new shoots emerge.
- PlantMarch, September and October62% of varieties
Plant rhizomes in early spring or fall in rich, shady soil.
- Check for PestsApril and May35% of varieties
Watch for slugs and snails, which can damage new foliage.
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune dead stems in late winter
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun which can scorch leaves
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Refrain from over-fertilizing
What goes wrong with Polygonatum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Holes in leaves, slime trails | Apply iron phosphate slug bait or handpick during evening |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering |
| Slugs and snails | Chewed leaves and stems | Use organic slug bait or hand-pick pests |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning leaves | Ensure well-drained soil and avoid overwatering |
| Leaf spot | Brown or black spots on leaves | Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation |
| Root Rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, mushy roots | Improve drainage, reduce watering, treat with organic fungicide |
Making more Polygonatum
Division
- Dig up mature rhizomes in early spring or fall
- Cut into sections with at least one eye each
- Plant sections 2 inches deep in moist soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Allow 6 weeks for establishment
Seed
- Sow seeds in moist, well-drained soil in fall.
- Stratify seeds at 40°F (4°C) for 3 months.
- Keep soil moist and provide shade.
- Germination occurs in 4–6 weeks.
Polygonatum questions
How many types of Polygonatum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 26 distinct Polygonatum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 681 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Polygonatum grow in?
Across its varieties, Polygonatum covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Polygonatum bloom?
Most Polygonatum varieties bloom in late spring, early spring, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Polygonatum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Polygonatum shows up in
Design with Polygonatum in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
