Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum)

common name:

Solomon’s seal, variegated Solomon’s seal

scientific name:

Polygonatum

odoratum (var. pluriflorum)

Green leaves and white bell-shaped flowers in sunlight.

Variegated Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum) displaying arching stems with pendulous, bell-shaped white flowers beneath striped foliage in spring in the Backyard Farmer Garden.

Image Creadit:

Trey Lamkins, Graduate Research Assistant

Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum odoratum) is a graceful, shade-loving perennial known for its elegant, arching stems and delicate spring flowers. In mid-spring, small, bell-shaped white blooms dangle beneath the stems, creating a subtle yet refined display. Variegated forms add additional interest with creamy white-striped foliage that brightens shaded garden spaces. This plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils and performs best in part to full shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and naturalized plantings.

Charecteristics

Plant type:

Herbaceous perennial

Hardiness Zones:

3, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 7, 8

Light Needs:

Part Shade

Shade

Water Needs:

Moist

Space Requirements:

3–6 feet

Height Requirements:

2–4 feet

Spread Requirements:

3–4 feet

Bloom Color:

White

Bloom Time:

Spring

Leaf Color:

Variegated

Companion Plant Tolerance:

Heavy Shade

Clay Soil

Uses:

Ground Cover

Naturalize

Varieties

'Variegatum'

‘Variegatum’ is a widely grown selection featuring green leaves edged with creamy white margins. It adds brightness and contrast to shaded plantings while maintaining the graceful form and dependable performance of the species.