Polygonatum odoratum 'Amadokoro' - 'Amadokoro' exhibits generous creamy variegation on all leaves. This European Solomon's Seal is elite among similar cultivars with extra broad variegated tissue at all leaf edges. All of that creamy white tissue upon arching stems creates an illuminated fairy stairwell in the woodland realm. But it has surprising sun tolerance in the north where it will form dense nearly weed-proof colonies of sturdy arching stems. In the woodland it is an aristocrat lighting up in both color and textural contrast when planted with other shade loving companions. Polygonatum odoratum 'Amadokoro' increases modestly and sometimes picks up good yellow tones in the autumn before hard frosts take it down. Though the species hails from Europe and Asia, 'Amadokoro' is a Japanese selection, a garden culture that holds variegated plants in very high esteem. Part sun to open shade in fertile, draining woodland conditions. Established potted European Solomon's Seal from division.
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.