Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' Variegated Solomon's Seal
Best reliable beauty for low maintenance shade gardens.
Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum', commonly known as Variegated Solomon's Seal, is a perennial prized for its striking foliage. Dark green leaves are edged with creamy-white and gracefully arch on maroon-tinged stems. Delicate, bell-shaped white flowers dangle from the leaf axils in late spring, adding subtle charm. This plant's foliage provides extended season of interest, turning a beautiful golden hue in the fall. It thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, humus-rich soil, though it can tolerate clay and is drought-tolerant once established. It spreads slowly via rhizomes, eventually forming colonies.
$17.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
986
/ 4677
#986 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-35%
Below average
Common Names
Variegated Solomon's Seal
/ Variegated Solomon's Seal
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking elegant, low-light plant options for visual appeal
- Homeowners with shaded gardens needing resilient, beautiful groundcover
- Busy gardeners desiring beautiful, hardy plants without constant attention
Who should skip it
- Gardeners needing quick-spreading plants for immediate landscape impact
- Individuals with heavy clay or very sandy soils requiring significant preparation
- Pet owners and parents of young children prioritizing non-toxic garden plants
Performance breakdown
Shade Adaptability
Thrives in low-light conditions where most flowering perennials struggle to survive.
Foliage Longevity
Provides visual interest from spring emergence through a vibrant golden autumn.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer, making it a low-maintenance choice for woodland gardens.
Soil Versatility
Handles heavy clay and varied moisture levels with impressive resilience.
Growth Habit
Spreads at a manageable pace, forming elegant colonies without becoming invasive.
Bloom Impact
Delicate flowers offer subtle charm rather than a bold, high-contrast display.
Key Specs
Common Names
Variegated Solomon's Seal
Zones
3-8
Light Requirements
Part Shade to Shade
Soil Preference
Prefers moist to wet soils.
Height at Maturity
30-36 inches
Width at Maturity
18 inches
Bloom Color
White/Cream
Bloom Time
Late spring early summer
Features
- Striking variegated foliage with creamy-white edges
- Bell-shaped white flowers in late spring
- Golden fall color for extended interest
- Tolerates shade and moist, humus-rich soil
- Drought tolerant once established
- Tolerates clay soil
- Deer resistant
- Suitable for cut flowers
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and health of the Variegated Solomon's Seal upon arrival. Many highlight its robust growth and striking variegated foliage, which adds unique beauty and texture to shaded garden spaces. Gardeners appreciate its ease of establishment and low maintenance, making it a reliable choice for enhancing diverse landscapes. The plant's distinctive appearance and vigorous performance often exceed expectations, solidifying its reputation as a valuable and aesthetically pleasing addition.
Know before you buy
This plant thrives in partial to full shade. It is an excellent choice for woodland gardens or north-facing beds where direct, harsh sunlight is limited.
Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' spreads via rhizomes, but it does so slowly. It will eventually form attractive colonies, but it is generally considered well-behaved and not aggressively invasive.
Yes, it is considered deer resistant. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, this variety is rarely a target for browsing deer compared to more succulent or fragrant garden favorites.
Yes, it is quite adaptable and can tolerate clay soil. For the best results, ensure the planting site remains moist and rich in organic matter.
Yes, it offers extended interest. The variegated leaves provide a bright contrast in spring and summer, and the foliage transitions to a lovely golden hue in the fall before going dormant.
Absolutely. The arching, maroon-tinged stems with their bell-shaped flowers and variegated leaves make for elegant, long-lasting additions to cut flower bouquets.
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