Polygonatum odoratum 'Koudanishiki'

Solomon’s Seal 'Koudanishiki' Asparagaceae

A Solomon’s seal that has clearly decided ordinary green is far too conservative! ‘Koudanishiki’ is a highly desirable Japanese selection of Polygonatum odoratum, producing red-tinged stems and strong cream-white variegation towards the leaf tips. The pendent white, bell-shaped flowers remain relatively understated beneath the striking foliage. It is a recently introduced Japanese form and is described as particularly sought after in Japan. 

The cultivar name ‘Koudanishiki’ (コウダニシキ) is best retained as a Japanese horticultural name. Nishiki (錦) means “brocade”, and is commonly used in Japanese plant names to describe richly patterned or variegated foliage. The precise meaning of Kouda/Kouda-ni is less certain from the available published sources, so I would avoid giving a literal translation for the first element rather than risk inventing an etymology. Thus, ‘Koudanishiki’ can safely be interpreted as referring to a brocade-like, richly patterned plant, rather than assigning an unsupported literal translation.

Correctly treated as a cultivar, rather than a botanical variety, the preferred name is Polygonatum odoratum ‘Koudanishiki’. 

• Height: 60–90cm
• Spread: 40–60cm
• Flowering: May–June
• Hardiness: H6 (-20 to -15°C)
• Position: Sun or shade
• Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well drained
• Origin: Japan
• Introduction: Recently introduced Japanese selection
• Nomenclature: Polygonatum odoratum ‘Koudanishiki’
• Name: Nishiki means “brocade”, referring to the richly patterned foliage.