False Solomon's Seal

False Solomon's Seal  (Smilacina)

False Solomon's Seal (Smilacina) is a strong perennial with foliage like Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum) but with flowers on the end of the stem instead of along the stem. The flowers are often followed by red berries. False Solomon's Seal wants a spot in the (half) shade in humus rich soil that does not dry out and contains little or no lime. It may take a few years before False Solomon's Seal forms a nice clump, but then the plant will last for years without any looking after. Maybe now and again a handful of fresh compost is all. False Solomon's Seal is also a good plant for planting under shrubs and trees, together with maybe Shield Fern (Polystichum), Lungwort (Pulmonaria), Autumn Saxifrage (Saxifraga cortusifolia), Barrenwort (Epimedium) and Great Forget-me-not (Brunnera).