About
A herbaceous perennial with a creeping, rhizomatous rootstock and hairy, arching stems to around 50cm bearing oval, pleated leaves. Open sprays of small, cream, star-shaped flowers in spring are followed by fleshy red fruit.
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
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toJapan, China, Korea
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, lime-free, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. Shelter from cold winds
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in autumn, or by division of rhizomes in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free