perennial

Large Solomon's Seal Washfield Form

Polygonatum latifolium 'Washfield Form'

The Story

Plant Bio

Polygonatum latifolium, known as broad-leaved Solomon's Seal, is a perennial herbaceous plant with arching stems, large, broad leaves, and bell-shaped, greenish-white flowers that hang beneath the foliage.

The Washfield Form cultivar is distinguished by its more vigorous growth habit and larger, more prominently marked leaves, enhancing its decorative appeal in woodland and shade gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Elegant arching stems and bell-shaped flowers add a graceful touch to shaded gardens.

Prefers moist, well-drained soils, making it ideal for rain gardens and woodland borders.

Provides shelter and nectar for pollinators and birds in shaded habitats.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moist

Humidity

Prefers humid conditions

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe to Western Asia

Toxicity

Berries and rhizomes are toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 12 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck rhizomes 2 inches deep in shaded, moist soil.
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Prune back dead stems after flowering to encourage new growth.
Divide in early spring every 3–4 years for rejuvenation.

Pro Tip

Plant in shaded areas with rich, moist soil for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Prune dead stems after flowering

Don't

Avoid dry, sunny locations ❌
Don’t let soil dry out completely
Avoid overfertilizing to prevent legginess

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland garden borderMoist shady hedgeUnderstory planting beneath trees

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Astilbes Japanese Forest Grass

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Large Solomon's Seal Washfield Form questions

What zones can Large Solomon's Seal Washfield Form grow in?

Large Solomon's Seal Washfield Form is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Large Solomon's Seal Washfield Form deer resistant?

Yes — Large Solomon's Seal Washfield Form is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Large Solomon's Seal Washfield Form bloom?

Large Solomon's Seal Washfield Form typically blooms in late spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Large Solomon's Seal Washfield Form need full sun?

Large Solomon's Seal Washfield Form does best in part shade.