Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum ‘Variegatum’ AGM

Variegated Solomon’s Seal Asparagaceae

A Solomon’s seal that clearly felt the standard green version needed a little extra decoration! ‘Variegatum’ is the classic variegated form, producing elegant arching stems clothed with lance-shaped leaves broadly edged in creamy white to yellow, often with attractive reddish-purple young stems. The pendent, white, green-tipped flowers are lightly fragrant and appear beneath the foliage in late spring, followed by blue-black berries. 

The nomenclature is slightly complicated. Kew accepts Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum (Miq.) Ohwi, a variety native to Japan and Korea. The cultivated variegated plant is best written Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum ‘Variegatum’; it has also been published or circulated as P. japonicum ‘Variegatum’, P. falcatum ‘Variegatum’ and P. odoratum ‘Variegatum’. 

‘Variegatum’ is an old horticultural selection, rather than a recently bred cultivar. Its exact original introduction is poorly documented, but it has long been cultivated in Europe and North America and remains one of the most useful variegated Solomon’s seals. The particularly good true variegated form, with strongly defined yellow-white margins and red young stems, has been maintained in specialist collections. 

A superb woodland plant, especially effective beneath deciduous trees, and tolerant of surprisingly dry conditions once established.

• Height: 60–90cm
• Spread: 40–60cm
• Flowering: May–June
• Hardiness: H6 (-20 to -15°C)
• Position: Shade to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well drained
• Origin: Japan and Korea
• Introduction: Old horticultural selection; date and original raiser uncertain
• Nomenclature: Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum ‘Variegatum’
• Synonyms: P. falcatum ‘Variegatum’; P. japonicum ‘Variegatum’; P. odoratum ‘Variegatum’