About
Maianthemum bifolium, the two-leaved false lily of the valley, is a spreading, rhizomatous perennial to 15�20 cm with glossy, dark-green, heart-shaped or ovate leaves to 8 cm across. Creamy-white flowers in late spring are followed by small, round fruits that start pale green before turning red. A charming native woodland perennial for a shaded, moist border.
About the genus
Maianthemum are rhizomatous perennials with erect or arching stems bearing alternate leaves and small, star-shaped flowers in terminal racemes or panicles, followed by red berries. Grown as ornamental ground-covering plants in shaded, moist woodland gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toTemp. Eurasia
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 10749,maianthemum-kamtschaticum,Maianthemum kamtschaticum,,Maianthemum kamtschaticum is a rhizomatous perennial producing the characteristic alternate leaves and small
Care notes
CultivationGrow in cool woodland conditions in humus-rich, leafy, moist but well-drained neutral to acid soil in light dappled or deep shade; good ground-cover plant but may start to spread
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe, or by division of rooted runners in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free