It's really hard to kill these, so I would say about 3 inches should be fine. I've been trying to get rid of these in one area of my garden for years and every spring I find at least one shoot. Don't get me wrong, I still like them and do grow them in another area where I can control them a little easier.

Kevin

Thank you Kevin. I did get a little nervous when I found out they are related to Lily of the Valley which grows out of control here, but I've always liked them in other people's yards and I have a spot where I think they'll be perfect. I will keep a close eye on them though.

Oooh, lucky you! I love Solomon's Seal. Did you get the regular green or the variegated? I have a couple beautiful clumps of variegated and I always get compliments on them.

No way are the solomon's seal as aggressive as the lily of the valley, at least, not in my yard. I have both, and I'll take more of the s.s. any day. The only problem is the deer love them and ruined the show for me this year...went thru my corner lot eating every stand of them that I have...just left the bare stalks.

I got the variegated and I'm happy to hear that they won't behave like lily of the valley. So far I've had no problems with deer and I sure hope they don't find my yard because I have lots of daylilies and hosta.

Solomon Seal is lovely planted among a variety of Hostas. It is my favorite plant as it is so graceful. Waitforspring - you will enjoy the plant.

I can't say enough about this lovely plant! it's one of my favorites, too. I haven't dug/divided it in a long time (it needs it, too), but the rhizomes are definitely under the soil (not like bearded iris), so I think the 3" suggestion is just about right.

I have only Polygonatum commutatum (hope I got that right!), the tall, all green variety. It spreads readily (but not uncontrollably) in moist soil, and is lovely from early spring through the first frost. I have a large clump in the front bed (faces east) and tends to be dry in mid-summer. I think it was watered ONCE all season.

I don't have issues with deer, so couldn't comment on its appeal to those voracious marauders.

Nice to hear from so many people who like these. They're planted now and I can't wait to see them come up next year. Sure hope they make it. I have them in an area with hostas and a few ferns and hellebores.

You have picked perfect companions and I hope you come to love the subtle, understated character of this plant as much as I do!

(I use the same companions, but use Rodgersia in place of the Hellebores).

As I stated above, I do love this plant - I have the variegated variety, but it really does behave differently in various locations. Mine is planted in dry shade and it does fine and doesn't spread all that fast. It was the only plant in my shade garden that didn't suffer through our drought. I gave a neighbor a few plants and she planted them in moist sun. Those plants have totally taken over her bed. She would have her work cut out for her if she tried to dig them all out.

I need to get the plain green one.

Kevin

They grow wild all over here in SE PA by the thousands. I have them from 3 -4 feet tall in many areas. In the wild, the rhizomes are very shallow, and often actually show above ground level. The larger ones get to be over an inch in thickness and, when they grow at the surface, become a nice olive green color. Deeper in the soil they are white. I have never seen them in the wild over an inch deep, and as i say, generally right on the surface.

George

I'm guessing they ended up about 2" deep so I hope they'll grow alright. The rhizomes were white so I guess that means they were underground before.

Don't be discouraged if they are sparse the first year or so. They tend to take awhile to get established, but they are so worth the wait!

Solomon's seal plants are best planted using rhizomes in spring or fall. If the rhizomes are large, cut them into smaller pieces (each with growing nodes) for multiple plants. Position them horizontally about 4-6 inches deep in moist soil and space them 3 feet apart because they will spread. A dappled shade location is best. Rhizomes can be dug up from an existing plant in spring after new growth appears.

https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/perennial/solomons-seal/#:~:text=Solomon's%20seal%20plants%20are%20best,apart%20because%20they%20will%20spread.

I just planted one hundred Rhyzomes, also some trout lily & Shooting star.