What: Polygonatum odoratum variety pluriflorum variegatum, or variegated Solomon’s seal, is a connoisseur’s plant for the woodland garden, but it’s not limited to connoisseurs’ gardens. Arching stems curve gracefully toward the prevailing light source, creating elegant stands of stems with opposite leaves, each with a tracery of cream around each margin. Waxy bell-like flowers are held on the underside of the stem at the leaf axils with two or more fragrant flowers. The distinctive growing habit makes variegated Solomon’s seal a must for any garden, combining beautifully with any woodland perennial or shrub. In the autumn, as the plant goes dormant for the winter, the leaves and stems turn a straw yellow that glows as the light of the summer fades.
Where: Plant Solomon’s seal in light to deep shade. It prefers a moist to well-drained soil, but will tolerate sandy sites and clay.
Size: Grows to 2 feet tall by 2 feet wide in 10 years.
Care: Once established, it will only need occasional watering during prolonged dry weather. Cut to the ground in fall once the stems begin to yellow.
— greatplantpicks.org
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