2002 Theodore Klein Plant Award Winner
by Winston C. Dunwell

Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum'
- Variegated Fragrant Solomon's Seal has ivory edged leaves and is considered the "best form of this species" and "An indispensable genus for the landscape architect" by Allan Armitage and all the members of the Theodore Klein Plant Award Committee. The April blooms are very attractive but the great variegated foliage guarantees full season appeal. The straight alternate leaved stems can be used in flower arrangements to great advantage. The Solomon's Seals in general tend to be tolerant of shade and moist soil environments. Propagation is done by Fall division of the rhizomes. William Cullina in his book The New England Wild Flower Society Guide To Growing and Propagating Wildflowers of the United states and Canada recommends building up a rotating stock bed so that plants are allowed time, up to 3 years, to recover from having the rhizomes broken off the original plant.