Overview

Maianthemum salvinii is a clump forming, suckering, bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Maianthemum, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Maianthemum salvinii grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include underplanting of roses and shrubs, flower borders and beds, cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, ground cover and banks and slopes.

About

Maianthemum salvinii is a clump-forming, suckering perennial cultivar within the Maianthemum genus, known for its bushy habit and deciduous foliage. It thrives in full or partial shade, favouring sheltered, north-, east-, or west-facing aspects. This cultivar prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soils, including clay, loam, or sand, with an acid to neutral pH. It is hardy to UK zone H6 and is suitable for underplanting roses and shrubs, flower borders, cottage gardens, and as ground cover on banks and slopes. Its season of interest spans spring and summer, with small star-shaped flowers followed by red berries.

About the genus

Maianthemum includes the former genus Smilacina and is a genus of perennial herbaceous flowering plants with fleshy, persistent rhizomes. It is widespread across much of North America, Europe and Asia, and may be terrestrial, aquatic or epiphytic. It is characterized by simple, unbranched stems that are upright, leaning or hanging down and have 2–17 foliage leaves.

Wikipedia contributors, "Maianthemum", CC BY-SA 4.0Maianthemum

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Maianthemum

Sunlight
Full shade, Partial shade
Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Maianthemum salvinii size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming, Suckering, Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Flower borders and beds, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Ground cover, Banks and slopes

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Maianthemum salvinii

Propagation
Seed, Division of rhizomes
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Maianthemum salvinii?

Maianthemum salvinii prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Maianthemum salvinii need?

Maianthemum salvinii is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Maianthemum salvinii hardy in the UK?

Maianthemum salvinii has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Maianthemum salvinii?

Seed, Division of rhizomes.