Finding the Perfect Companion Plants for Variegated Solomon’s Seal

Variegated Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’) is a graceful woodland perennial prized for its arching stems lined with leaves edged in white. With its refined elegance and subtle variegation, this plant can add a highlight of sophistication to shady garden beds. However choosing ideal companion plants is key to truly making variegated Solomon’s seal a standout.

The right plant partners can enhance the Solomon’s seal’s form and colors. They can provide visual contrast or harmony and thrive in the same growing conditions. Follow these tips when selecting companions for variegated Solomon’s seal:

Consider Foliage Color and Texture

The green leaves with thin white margins of variegated Solomon’s seal can really “pop” when planted next to foliage plants with very different colors and textures Some excellent options include

• Ferns – Christmas fern, Japanese painted fern, cinnamon fern. The finely cut fronds contrast beautifully with the wide leaves of Solomon’s seal.

• Barrenwort – Glossy green leaves offer a crisp backdrop for the variegation. Gold barrenwort varieties like ‘Golden Queen’ also complement well.

• Sweet woodruff – Delicate whorls of green leaves provide bold textural contrast.

• Lungworts – Gray-green leaves like those of Pulmonaria ‘Majeste’ make a striking color contrast.

• Caladium – Vibrant red, pink or white leaves can make the Solomon’s seal foliage stand out.

• Hostas – Different hues like the blue of ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ or gold of ‘Golden Tiara’ complement the variegation.

Look for Complementary Foliage Colors

Some plants echo the variegated foliage of Solomon’s seal to provide a harmonious partnership:

• Brunnera – Heart-shaped leaves have green veining over silver, blue or gold as with Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’.

• Hakone grass – Slender blades graduate from green to white.

• Virginia sweetspire – Green leaves gain white tips later in the season.

• Snowdrops – Green and white patterned flowers match variegated leaves.

Select Plants with Shared Growing Conditions

Choose companion plants that thrive under the same conditions as Solomon’s seal for easier care:

• Part to full shade

• Consistent moisture

• Rich, organic soil

• Shelter from wind

Great choices include astilbes, foamflowers, ligularias, primroses, and forget-me-nots.

Look for Flower Color Contrasts

The tiny white bell-shaped blooms of Solomon’s seal can be made more prominent with nearby plants that have bold flower colors:

• Epimediums – Showy purple, pink, red, yellow or white flowers

• Columbines – Blue, purple, red, pink, white or yellow blooms

• Hellebores – Purple, red, pink, green or white flowers in early spring

• Pulmonarias – Blue or pink spring blossoms

• Forget-me-nots – Vibrant blue blooms

Find Plants that Bloom at the Same Time

Extend the floral display by combining with plants that bloom in spring like Solomon’s seal:

• Virginia bluebells

• White baneberry

• Bloodroot

• Foamflowers

• Lungworts

• Forget-me-nots

Consider Style and Design

Companion plants should enhance the graceful, airy quality of Solomon’s seal’s arching stems:

• Arrange companions loosely rather than in rigid groupings to echo the casual flowing form.

• Use contrasting upright plants like ferns or irises to provide vertical balance.

• Allow plenty of space around Solomon’s seal for its stems to lean gracefully.

Top Companion Plant Pairings

Some excellent partners to try with variegated Solomon’s seal include:

• Ferns – Christmas, cinnamon, Japanese painted. All offer bold textural contrast.

• Brunnera – ‘Jack Frost’ provides silver leaves and blue flowers.

• Lungwort – Large silver spotted leaves of Pulmonaria ‘Majeste’ make a striking contrast.

• Hostas – Yellow or blue varieties like ‘Golden Tiara’ and ‘Blue Mouse Ears’.

• Forget-me-nots – Foliage and blue blooms combine beautifully.

• Foamflowers – ‘White Anniversary’ has particularly pretty white blooms.

• Barrenwort – Gold varieties like Epimedium x versicolor ‘Golden Queen’ echo the variegation.

• Hellebores – Bold red or purple flowers give dramatic color contrast.

• Columbines – The red and yellow blooms of Aquilegia canadensis are especially striking.

Design Tips for Planting

Follow these design principles when combining variegated Solomon’s seal with companions:

• Use groups of 3, 5 or 7 plants for visual impact. Solomon’s seal also looks lovely in drifts.

• Arrange companions loosely around Solomon’s seal, allowing plenty of space between plants.

• Angle companions like ferns or irises behind or in front of Solomon’s seal stems to create depth.

• Mass bolder flowering companions near variegated Solomon’s seal to highlight the blooms.

• Echo the elegant, casual form of Solomon’s seal in your design style. Avoid rigid or formal combinations.

Caring for Variegated Solomon’s Seal and Companion Plants

Solomon’s seal and its companions thrive with:

• Consistently moist, rich soil. Mulch to retain moisture.

• Afternoon shade or dappled sun. Most companions need shade protection.

• Shelter from drying winds. Use buffer plants, structures or land formations.

• Even moisture. Water during dry periods and mist foliage occasionally.

• Good air flow. Allow adequate space between plants.

• Timely division every 2-3 years in early spring or fall to maintain vigor.

• Removal of damaged leaves and spent blooms. Cut back spring flowering plants after bloom.

With its graceful variegated foliage, Solomon’s seal brings elegance to shaded gardens. Combining this perennial with plants that contrast or complement its form, colors and blooms creates attractive companionship plantings. Careful selection of plants that share ideal growing conditions reduces maintenance needs. Arranging companions in a casual, flowing style highlights the beauty of Solomon’s seal’s arching stems and variegated leaves. Follow these tips and your shade garden will have a highlight all season long.