Variegated Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum'
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum', the variegated Solomon's seal, is one of the most graceful of all shade perennials, an Old World cousin of the native Solomon's seals grown for luminous, cream-edged foliage on arching stems. Each lance-shaped leaf carries a soft green center rimmed and streaked in creamy white, and the new stems flush a warm rose before greening.
In late spring and early summer, small, creamy-white, green-tipped bell flowers dangle in pairs from the underside of the arching stems, softly and sweetly fragrant (the epithet odoratum means scented), and worked by bees. Small blue-black berries may follow in fall, and the foliage turns clear gold before dying back.
The arching, cascading stems and bright variegation make the plant a standout in shade, lighting a dim corner where plain green recedes. Spreading slowly by rhizome into dense, well-behaved colonies, variegated Solomon's seal knits beautifully among ferns, hostas, hellebores, and astilbe, and reads as elegant and composed in any woodland or shaded border.
Grow in part to full shade in moist, rich, well-drained soil, and shelter from harsh direct sun that can scorch the pale leaves. The rhizome of Solomon's seal has a long medicinal history in both Chinese and European traditions; the blue-black berries, though, are toxic if eaten, so site away from where small children graze.
Additional photos courtesy of Missouri Botanical Gardens.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 4–9
- Sun
- Part Shade, Full Shade
- Soil
- Moist, Well-drained, Rich
- Mature size
- Height 1–2 Feet · Spread 1–2 Feet
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Seasonality
- Dies back, depends on zone
Creamy white, green-tipped bells in pairs, late spring to early summer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is shared for traditional and educational interest only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before any medicinal use.
- Berries are toxic if eaten
- Traditional use only, not clinically evaluated
- Consult a professional before use
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
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