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Polygonatum odoratum 'Byakko'

European Solomon's Seal

Plant Type:

SHADE PERENNIALS

Polygonatum odoratum ‘Byakko’ – is a small-growing European Solomon's Seal with an unusual and beautiful white variegated patterning. The white variegation is striking white band from the pedicel at the main stalk to nearly halfway into each leaf; the upper half of each leaf to the tip is dark green. White flowers are fragrant and sweet. Best coloration will occur with some morning sun. Polygonatum odoratum ‘Byakko’ is small enough for a pot or trough but if planted in the woodland garden site it close to the edge where it will never fail to delight you. This lovely dwarf form was found in a garden in Japan. 'Byakko' is clumping with moderate increase. Estalblish potted plant from rhizome division.


 


Height:

2-4 in

Colors:

White

Zone:

4 to 8
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Characteristics and Attributes for Polygonatum odoratum 'Byakko'

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Spring

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Spring / Summer / into Autumn

Light

  • Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade
  • Shade
  • Dappled Shade

Attributes

  • Woodland
  • Border
  • Edging
  • Rock Garden
  • Ground Cover

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Medium

Soil

  • Fertile
  • Draining

Origins

  • Garden Origin

Propagated By

  • Division

Genus Overview: Polygonatum

Common Name: Solomon's Seal

These are the architectural Solomon Seals, all strong contrasting counterpoint to other denizens in the woodland/shade garden. Solomon Seals form spectacular colonies of upright arching stems from rhizomes just under the surface soil and leaf duff. Allan Armitage writes in his 2nd edition of Herbaceous Perennial Plants, “The common name Solomon’s Seal may have been derived from the circular sunken scars that remain on the rootstock after the leaf stalks die and fall off; the scar somewhat resembles a seal impressed on wax on official documents or letters in former times.” The simple leaves are obovate to elliptic turning yellow to golden brown in autumn before dropping. All prefer open shade to morning sun. When flowers are pollinated dangling blue fruits may develop on short paired pedicels along stems from leaf axils. All of the following offerings are by pot grown established division.