Variegated Solomon's Seal

Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum'

$16.00 Sold out

1 Gallon | Hardiness Zones 4-9

This Japanese perennial is a great plant for the woodland or shaded border. Polygonatum odoratum var. thunbergii 'Variegatum' has striking summer foliage. It is easy to grow in shady or semi-shady areaa with good soil and spreads in moist fertile soil. The variegated foliage brightens up shaded areas.

Plant Specs
  • Zones: 4 - 9
  • Sun: Part Shade and Full Shade
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Height at Maturity: 12 - 18 Inches
  • Spread at Maturity: 12 - 18 Inches
  • Growth Rate: Moderate

Dies back, depends on zone

Flower/Foliage

Flowers

  • Appearance: The flowers are small, tubular, and bell-shaped, dangling gracefully in pairs or clusters from the undersides of the arching stems. They are creamy white with subtle green tips, giving them a delicate, understated elegance.
  • Size: Each flower measures approximately 0.5 inches long, adding a refined touch without overwhelming the plant’s overall appearance.
  • Bloom Time: Flowers appear in late spring to early summer, adding seasonal charm to shaded areas.
  • Fragrance: Lightly sweet and pleasant, creating a subtle sensory element in the garden.
  • Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees and other pollinators with its nectar-rich blooms.

Foliage

  • Appearance: The leaves are lance-shaped and alternate along the gracefully arching stems. Each leaf has a soft green center with striking, creamy-white margins, creating a beautiful variegated effect.
  • Texture: Smooth and slightly waxy, adding to the plant’s elegant, polished look.
  • Growth Habit: Forms upright clumps of arching stems that bow slightly under the weight of the foliage and flowers, creating a cascading effect.
  • Seasonality: Deciduous. The foliage remains vibrant throughout the growing season and turns a warm yellow in the fall before dying back, adding a touch of autumn interest.

The combination of delicate, fragrant flowers and striking variegated foliage makes Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' a standout choice for adding elegance and texture to shaded gardens.

Care Info

Read full care instruction manual here.

Planting Requirements

  • Light: Thrives in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens or shady borders. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, which may scorch the leaves.
  • Soil: Prefers moist, well-draining, rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Amend with organic matter such as compost or leaf mold for best results.
  • Planting Time: Plant in spring or early fall to allow roots to establish in mild weather.

Watering

  • Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season.
  • Once established, the plant is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering during dry spells.

Fertilization

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
  • Mulch with organic matter to retain moisture and provide nutrients throughout the season.

Pruning

  • Minimal pruning is required. Remove spent flower stalks and any damaged or yellowing leaves to maintain a tidy appearance.
  • Allow the foliage to die back naturally in the fall, as this helps the plant store energy for the next growing season.

Growth Habit and Size

  • Grows as a clump-forming, arching perennial with graceful, upright stems that bow slightly under the weight of flowers and foliage.
  • Reaches a mature height of 18–24 inches and spreads slowly through rhizomes, forming dense colonies over time.

Pests and Diseases

  • Generally pest-free but may occasionally encounter slugs or snails. Use organic slug bait or traps if necessary.
  • Rarely affected by diseases, though good airflow and proper spacing help prevent fungal issues.

Special Features

  • Flowers: Small, bell-shaped, creamy-white flowers with a faint green tint hang in pairs along the underside of arching stems. They bloom in late spring to early summer and have a mild, sweet fragrance.
  • Foliage: Variegated leaves are lance-shaped with soft green centers and creamy-white margins, adding a touch of elegance to shaded areas. The foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season.
  • Seasonality: In autumn, the foliage may turn yellow before dying back, providing additional seasonal interest.

Winter Care

  • Hardy in USDA zones 3–8. In colder climates, apply a layer of mulch after the foliage dies back in fall to protect the rhizomes during winter.

Landscape Uses

  • Ideal for shaded borders, woodland gardens, or as a ground cover under trees.
  • Combines beautifully with other shade-loving plants like ferns, hostas, and astilbes.

Additional Tips

  • Avoid planting in areas with heavy foot traffic, as the delicate arching stems can be easily damaged.
  • Divide the rhizomes every 3–4 years in early spring or fall to control spread and rejuvenate growth.

Summary
With its elegant arching stems, fragrant flowers, and striking variegated foliage, Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' is a low-maintenance perennial that brings grace and charm to shady areas of the garden.

Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:
from rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.