Polygonatum Ruby Slippers

Available late May

Polygonatum 'Ruby Slipper' photo courtesy of Walters Gardens

Solomon's Seal

Ruby Slippers' is a recent introduction from Japan. It features bright red, upright and slightly arching stems that are red from base to tip. Solid deep green leaves have silvery undersides. The plants are produced in colonies and will spread slowly in the garden. This is definitely a tough plant for shade. The white flowers are produced in late spring below the stem, rather than on top. At the leaf axils, blue berries follow and are held on the plant until late fall.

  • Height: 53 cm (21 in)
  • Spread: 25-53 cm (10-21 in)
  • Cold Hardiness: Zone 3-9
  • Sun or Shade: part to full shade
  • Bloom Time: late spring
  • Leaf Colour: green
  • Bloom Colour: white
  • Nature Attraction: hummingbirds

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Grow Solomon's Seal in rich moist soil in partial to filtered shade. It is drought tolerant but this will slow the growth of the colony. It spreads by rhizomes which are easy to lift and divide in the spring or late summer. It is really trouble free once established.