November Perennial of the Month-Variegated Solomon’s Seal
It’s not often that I rave about a perennial. But when a perennial performs well in dry shade, has adorable, fragrant flowers, beautiful foliage, AND amazing fall color, I can’t help but spread the word. Variegated Solomon’s seal, Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum ‘Variegatum,’ is one of my favorite perennials for those reasons above and then some. The variegated leaves are as pretty and striking as some hostas, but those flowers get me every time, arching along the graceful curve of the plant’s center stem and giving a subtle fragrance that draws you closer. The late-spring flowers are followed by dark, glossy fruits that dangle from the center stem like perfectly spaced Christmas ornament clusters.
Even without flowers, the foliage is excellent in floral arrangements and bouquets. Solomon’s seal averages about 2’ high, and a clump of 3-4 stems will eventually grow into a wide mass that could be 5-6’ wide or more in a few years. The effect in a shade garden is striking, brightening shady corners with little fuss beyond patience. Come fall, those leaves turn a golden yellow that is equally, if not more striking, lighting dark garden corners up even more than the charming variegation does the rest of the growing season.
Variegated Solomon’s seal prefers organic-rich, well-drained soils. It will not tolerate full sun conditions, especially in summer, when the leaves scorch easily.
This perennial forms sizable colonies by spreading with rhizomes, but I would not consider it aggressive or invasive. The plant is easily divided or removed due to its shallow root system.
What I love about this plant:
-Graceful, arching habit.
-Variegated leaves.
-Tolerates dry shade
-Drought and wet soil resistant.
-Great in floral arrangements.
-Excellent fall color.
What’s not so great:
-Will spread, but not aggressive or invasive.
-Does not tolerate full sun.
-Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com
Words and photos by Jo Batzer
© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2025, All rights reserved.
