Variegated Solomon’s seal ( Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’) is one of the finest perennials for the shade or woodland garden. It is the Asian cousin of U.S. native Solomon seal (P. commutatum). Both species are long- lived garden inhabitants.

Variegated Solomon’s Seal handles 2-3 hours of direct morning sunlight in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA hardiness zones 6 and 7) if the soil is kept evenly moist. It grows 18 to 24 inches high and 3 to 4 feet wide in 10 years. As a groundcover it is not overly aggressive, so plan on 4-5 years for it to nicely colonize. It possesses good drought tolerance after a two year establishment interval.

Its creamy white bell-like flowers appear in spring  under each leaf axil. The pleasantly fragrant lily-like flowers lightly scent the early evening air in the late April and May garden.  

Its gently arching variegated foliage is its key landscape appeal. The 3-4 inch long olive green leaves are daintly edged in white. In the fall, the white margins turn pale yellow with the greenish hues persisting to mid- autumn. Foliage and stems die off naturally in late autumn requiring little cleanup.

Plant variegated Solomon’s Seal under the shade of large shrubs and trees in a moist, richly composted, well- drained woodland soil. Plant with other companion shade loving plants such as ferns, hostas, hardy ginger (Asarum), toadlily (Tricyrtis spp.), brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla), et al.

Disease and pest issues are rare. Slugs may be problematic if wet weather persists or plants are frequently irrigated overhead.