Does Solomon’s Seal Die Back in Winter?

Solomon’s seal is a classic woodland perennial that thrives in shady gardens. This clump-forming plant emerges in spring with arching stems lined with pairs of leaves and dangling bell-shaped flowers. While prized for its spring and summer appearance, what happens to Solomon’s seal when cold weather arrives? Does Solomon’s seal die back in winter?

Overview of Solomon’s Seal

Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum spp.) is a genus of around 60 woodland perennial species in the asparagus family. It grows from rhizomes into lightly arching vertical stems reaching 1-5 feet tall depending on variety. The leaves grow off the upright stems in an alternating pattern. Bell-shaped white green or pink flowers dangle underneath the arching stems in spring. After the flowers fade, blue-black berries take their place, which are mildly toxic to humans.

This herbaceous perennial thrives in dappled shade and evenly moist, well-draining soil. Popular species grown in gardens include P. biflorum, P. odoratum, P. humile and more. The variegated varieties add bright highlights to shady beds. Solomon’s seal spreads slowly through its rhizomatous roots to form colonies.

Does Solomon’s Seal Die Back in Winter?

Yes, Solomon’s seal is a herbaceous perennial, meaning the above ground plant parts die back to the ground each winter. This occurs after the first hard frost of around 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The leaves turn yellow or brown before withering away. By the time winter arrives, only the underground rhizomes remain alive to survive the cold.

The rhizomes, which resemble knobby horizontal roots, act as energy storage organs for the plant. They continue living through the winter to generate new growth each spring. The rhizomes branch and spread outward steadily, creating new sprouts farther away from the original plant. This is how Solomon’s seal spreads over time.

While the above ground foliage dies back, the plant is not dead. It goes dormant until spring triggers new growth from the rhizomes. If any stems remain going into winter, they can be cut down to keep the area tidy. Mulching over the rhizomes provides extra insulation against extreme cold.

Spring Emergence of Solomon’s Seal

When spring arrives and soil temperatures warm, usually above 50 degrees F, the Solomon’s seal rhizomes are activated to send up new sprouts. This emergence can happen as early as February in warmer zones or April in colder areas.

At first, the young shoots of Solomon’s seal may take on a grayish or purplish hue before greening up. The unfurling leaves and extending stems create an ornamental display on their own. As the stems lengthen and leaves reach their full size, the plants take on the graceful arching shape they are known for.

Flower buds form at the underside nodes of the stems. Opening from bottom to top, the bell-shaped blooms dangle down in late spring or early summer. Flower color varies from greenish-white to white depending on variety. Variegated types also showcase their signature leaf patterns as they leaf out.

Caring for Solomon’s Seal in Winter

While the foliage dies back, Solomon’s seal still benefits from certain care before and during the winter:

• Cut back any remaining stems to the ground after frost kills the leaves.

• Apply 2-4 inches of mulch over the rhizomes to insulate them from extreme cold and prevent frost heaving. Shredded leaves make an ideal natural mulch.

• Keep the soil slightly moist if winters are very dry. Water deeply once a month if rain is lacking.

• Avoid disturbing the rhizomes at all costs. Any digging or transplanting should be done in early spring after sprouts emerge, or in fall when foliage dies back.

With a little winter protection and proper care, Solomon’s seal will return to grace your garden for many years to come. Its fleeting spring blooms give way to a lush presence all season long in shaded beds and borders.

In Summary

Yes, Solomon’s seal is a herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground every winter when hard frost hits. The foliage turns yellow or brown before withering away completely. Only the rhizome roots survive underground through winter dormancy. When spring warms the soil, new sprouts emerge from the rhizomes to start the growth cycle anew. With proper care, Solomon’s seal will return for many years as a staple shade plant.