“Shade-loving ground covers are the real unsung heroes of the garden, and one of them is finally getting the spotlight it deserves. Evergreen Solomon's seal (Disporopsis pernyi) is a close cousin to…”
Tsuga lanceolata
Evergreen Solomon's Seal Can Be a Shade Garden Ground Cover
Shade-loving ground covers are the real unsung heroes of the garden, and one of them is finally getting the spotlight it deserves. Evergreen Solomon's seal (Disporopsis pernyi) is a close cousin to the Polygonatum species you might already know (yep, also called Solomon's seal!). It looks a lot like its polygonatum relatives, but it stays shorter and — here's the bonus — keeps its leaves year-round. It earned recognition in 2025 from the Theodore Klein Plant Awards program, which shines a light on tough, hardworking plants that really deliver in hot, humid summers. (The program is based in Kentucky.)
This little gem works as a ground cover in every shade level — even deep shade. What I love about it from a design standpoint is its upright habit; it really helps break up all those mounded shapes you typically see in shade gardens. Its medium texture makes it a fantastic mixer — it plays well with fine-textured plants like ferns and sedges, and it holds its own next to bold-leaved favorites like hostas and heucheras. You can even use it as a living mulch alternative around trees.
Common name: Evergreen Solomon's seal
Botanical name: Disporopsis pernyi
Flowers: Little yellow bell-shaped flowers show up in spring, but they're tucked right at the base of the leaves where you might miss them — so honestly, think of this as more of a foliage plant.
Foliage: Deep green, glossy, broadly oval leaves line the stems and stay put all year long.
Size and habit: This plant grows as a tidy clump of upright, arching stems lined with long, narrow green leaves. It reaches 12 to 18 inches tall and about 12 inches wide. It does spread by rhizomes, but don't worry — it's not one of those aggressive spreaders.
Growing evergreen Solomon's seal
How to grow it: This perennial is super easy to please — just give it a spot in part shade, dappled light, or full shade with classic woodland conditions: nice humusy soil and even moisture. That said, it can handle some dry spells once it's settled in. USDA Zones 6–9.
