Troubleshooting
Solomon's Seal problems — and how to fix them
Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum multiflorum) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Solomon's seal sawfly (Phymatocera aterrima)
The most significant pest — grey-black caterpillar-like larvae strip leaves to bare stems in late spring and early summer. Hand-pick larvae when spotted, or apply a contact insecticide. Affected plants usually recover and re-shoot the following year.
Slugs on emerging shoots
Young shoots in early spring are attractive to slugs. Apply ferric phosphate slug pellets around emerging growth or use copper barriers. Damage appears as irregular holes and notches on new foliage.
Rhizome rot in waterlogged soil
Prolonged waterlogging, especially in winter, causes rhizome rot. Plant in well-drained positions and avoid low-lying wet spots. In heavy clay, raise beds or incorporate grit. Affected rhizomes become soft, brown and malodorous.
Prevent solomon's seal problems before they start
Most solomon's seal issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Solomon's Seal problems — FAQ
Why is my solomon's seal solomon's seal sawfly (phymatocera aterrima)?
The most significant pest — grey-black caterpillar-like larvae strip leaves to bare stems in late spring and early summer. Hand-pick larvae when spotted, or apply a contact insecticide. Affected plants usually recover and re-shoot the following year.
Why is my solomon's seal slugs on emerging shoots?
Young shoots in early spring are attractive to slugs. Apply ferric phosphate slug pellets around emerging growth or use copper barriers. Damage appears as irregular holes and notches on new foliage.
Why is my solomon's seal rhizome rot in waterlogged soil?
Prolonged waterlogging, especially in winter, causes rhizome rot. Plant in well-drained positions and avoid low-lying wet spots. In heavy clay, raise beds or incorporate grit. Affected rhizomes become soft, brown and malodorous.