Solomons seal herb and Garden cultivation

A perennial plant that grows in thick woods and thickets in Europe, Asia and North America. The plant's generic name, Polygonatum, is derived from 'poly', meaning many, and 'gonu', meaning a knee joint, which refers to its many jointed rhizome. King Solomon, wiser than all men, gave his approval to the use of its roots (said to resemble cut sections of Hebrew characters), as a poultice for wounds, and to help heal broken limbs. In the 16th century Gerard cited its contribution in the soldering and gluing together broken of bones, when the root might be taken internally (in the form of ale) or applied externally as a poultice.

Species

Polygonatum biflorum

Solomon's seal

Hardy perennial. Ht 30- 80cm (12-32in), spread 30cm (1ft). White waxy flowers tipped with green hang from arching stems in spring to summer. The berries are bluish-black. The leaves are oval to lance shaped and mid-green in color.

Polygonatum odoratum

Angular Solomon's seal

Hardy perennial. Ht 60cm (24in), spread 30cm (12in). Produces pairs of fragrant, tubular, bell-shaped, green-tipped, white flowers in spring. The berries and leaves are as P. biflorum. A variegated form called Polygonatum odoratum 'Varigatum', which has creamy white striped leaves. Also a double-flowered one Polygonatum odoratum 'Flore Pleno’ has scented flowers that look rather like ballet dancers' skirts.

Polygonatum verticillatun

Whorled Solomon’s seal

Hardy perennial. Ht l.2m (48in) spread 45cm (18in).The flowers are narrow and bell shaped, greenish white in color, and appear in early summer. Its berries A first red, then dark blue. The lance-shaped, mid-1green leaves grow in whorls.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

Sow fresh seed in autumn I into prepared seed or plug trays, cover with the compost, water in well, then cover with glass, and leave I outside for the winter. Remove the glass as soon as germination starts in spring. When the seedlings are large enough plant out in a prepared site. Keep an eye I on the watering throughout the first season - before they have developed their creeping rhizomes, young plants dry out quickly.

Division

The plant is best divided jus after the stalks die down in autumn, although in dampish weather, division and transplanting can be undertaken any time of year. This method is easier and quicker than seeds.

Pests and Diseases

Sawfly caterpillar is a common pest; you will notice that the leaves have clean cut holes. This will not damage the plant but it can look unsightly if you have a major attack. Spray with a liquid horticultural soap, at the first sign of attack. Complete eradication is difficult.

Maintenance

Spring: Plant out seedlings.

Summer: Make sure the soil does not dry out.

Autumn: Sow fresh seeds. Divide established plants.

Winter: Protect in the event of a prolonged frost below -10°C (14°F).

Container growing

Solomon's seal can be grown in large containers. Use a soil based compost and top dress in autumn with well-rotted manure or leaf mould. This will also protect it during winter. Position in semi-shade and water well throughout the summer.

Garden cultivation

This elegant graceful plant is sadly becoming scarce. Plant in groups on their own so that the tall and striking arching stems and waxy green-tipped flowers are shown off to their best. It requires a cool shady situation in fertile well-drained soil. Dig the soil over before planting with some leaf mould, and each winter top dress with extra leaf mould.

Harvest

For medicinal use, dig up and dry the roots of a well-established 3-year-old-plant in the autumn after the foliage has died back.

Medicinal

The powdered roots and rhizomes make a good poultice for bruises, inflammation and wounds, and a good wash for skin problems and blemishes. American Indians made a tea of the rootstock to take for women's complaints and general internal pains. They also used it as a wash to counteract the effect of poison ivy. Polygonatum odoratum contains a substance that lowers the level of blood sugar and has long been used in the Orient for diabetes.

Other uses

The plant has been employed cosmetically to clear freckles and as a skin tonic. In Turkey the young shoots are harvested and cooked with asparagus.