What hardiness zones is Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' suitable for?

Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' is a deciduous perennial reaching 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall with a spread of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm), spreading slowly by rhizomes. The arching, unbranched stems bear alternate, ovate to elliptic leaves 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long arranged in two ranks, each leaf broadly edged in cream-white with a green center—the variegation is consistent and stable. Pendant, tubular white flowers 0.6-0.8 inch (15-20 mm) long, fragrant, appear in pairs from the leaf axils along the underside of the arching stems in April-May. Small blue-black berries follow in late summer. Growth rate is moderate, spreading slowly by rhizomes to form colonies. Hardy to zone 3. The arching variegated stems are the primary feature—each stem a graceful arc of cream-edged leaves with pendant white bells beneath.

Native Range

Polygonatum odoratum is native to Europe and temperate Asia—from Britain and Scandinavia east through Russia, China, and Japan—in deciduous woodlands, hedgerows, and shaded slopes. 'Variegatum' is a variegated cultivar.

Suggested Uses

Planted in shade gardens, woodland borders, or under trees at 12-18 inch (30-45 cm) spacing. The arching variegated stems create a layered effect in shade. Fragrant flowers. Tolerates dry shade. Spreads slowly by rhizomes—may naturalize. Blue-black berries toxic. Solomon's seal sawfly may defoliate. Not suitable for full sun or wet sites.

How to Identify

Distinguished from the species by the cream-white variegated leaf margins. Distinguished from Polygonatum x hybridum (common Solomon's seal) by the angular (versus cylindrical) stems, the fragrant (versus unscented) flowers, and the more compact size. The arching stems with alternate cream-variegated leaves and pendant fragrant white tubular flowers in pairs from leaf axils are diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Pendant tubular white fragrant flowers 0.6-0.8 inch (15-20 mm) long, in pairs from leaf axils along the underside of arching stems, April-May. Bloom duration 2-3 weeks. Small blue-black berries follow in late summer.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White; pendant tubular fragrant 0.6-0.8 inch; in pairs from leaf axils; Apr-May; blue-black berries follow

Foliage Description

Green center with cream-white margins; alternate ovate to elliptic 3-6 inches on arching stems; variegation stable

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade Full Shade

Requires 2-4 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam silt peat

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial to full shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil (pH 5.5-7.0). Hardy to zone 3. Tolerates dry shade once established. Spreads slowly by rhizomes. Solomon's seal sawfly larvae can defoliate plants in early summer—damage is cosmetic and plants recover.

Pruning

Cut back spent stems to ground after frost in autumn. No other pruning needed. The arching form is natural.

Pruning Schedule

fall

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans