Japanese Solomon Seal Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum 'Variegatum'

Fragrant Solomon's Seal is a herbaceous perennial of the asparagus family, and it is a native of China, Europe, Korea, Japan, Manchuria, Mongolia, Morocco, Russia, Siberia, and Ukraine. The genus name is Greek in origin. "Poly" means "many," and "gonu" means knee joint referring to jointed plant rhizomes. "Odoratus" is Latin for "sweet smelling" and refers to the fragrance of its flowers. The name Solomon's Seal is believed to refer to the circular seals on the rhizomes or possibly in reference to its reported wound healing properties. In some species, the seal appears to be two overlapped triangles which were symbols or seals used by King Solomon, ruler of Israel, who reigned from 970 BC to 931 BC.

'Variegatum' is a popular cultivar that has bright green foliage with white edges, maroon tinged stems, and dangling white bell-shaped flowers. This shade-loving plant typically blooms from April to June and attracts bees and butterflies. The berries are attractive to birds.  The plant is deer and rabbit resistant and tolerates heavy shade. It prefers moist humus-rich well-drained soil in partial to full shade and is somewhat drought tolerant once established. Tolerates the soil being occasionally wet or dry. It does best in cool summer climates. Division is the easiest way to propagate this plant and rhizomes may be dug in the spring or fall. Plant them horizontally just a few inches below the soil and keep moist until they are established.  

Solomon's Seal is typically used as a shade-loving foliage plant and combines well with Hostas, Astilbes, and Bleeding Hearts. Its variegated leaves and small white bell-shaped flowers brighten and add variety to a shade garden. It can be slow to establish in the garden but is long lived and low maintenance.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: White flies, weevils, slugs, and snails can be a problem.

More information on Polygonatum.