Overview
Smilacina stellata is a perennial herb in the genus Smilacina, part of the Q134172 family. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Smilacina stellata grows best in full shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover and woodland garden. It is native to North America.
About
Smilacina stellata is a shade-loving perennial herb used as a low ground cover in woodland planting. It reaches about 0.6 m and produces its flowers in May to June. Plant it where soil stays moist but drains freely, in full shade on sandy, loamy or clay soils. It is fully hardy (H7) and suited to cooler temperate climates.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Maianthemum stellatum
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.
In the garden
Smilacina stellata is a perennial herb native to North America that performs as a low ground cover in shaded, wooded conditions. It grows to roughly 0.6 m and flowers in May to June, making it a useful seasonal presence in spring borders and understorey plantings. The species is also mapped to USDA zones 3–7. Select a permanently shady spot with soil that remains moist but is well drained; the plant tolerates sandy, loamy and clay textures. Give it shelter from hot afternoon sun and avoid waterlogged hollows. In the UK it is classed H7 (fully hardy), so once established it withstands hard winter conditions without the need for winter protection in typical temperate gardens. Use Smilacina stellata where you want a low, leafy carpet in a woodland garden or shaded border. It is appropriate for planting beneath trees and larger shrubs where light is limited and soil moisture is steady. Expect flowering stems to appear above the foliage in May to June, providing a clear late-spring note in shaded parts of the garden.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Smilacina
- Sunlight
- Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- shade
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Smilacina stellata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herb
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, woodland garden
- Native to
- North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Smilacina stellata
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soils in shaded areas; tolerant of a range of soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged foliage in early spring before new growth begins.
- Propagation
- Division in early spring or fall; seed propagation is possible but slow.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Smilacina stellata?
Prefers moist, well-drained soils in shaded areas; tolerant of a range of soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Where is the best place to plant Smilacina stellata?
Smilacina stellata prefers full shade. It suits shade positions.
What soil does Smilacina stellata need?
Smilacina stellata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Smilacina stellata?
Remove dead or damaged foliage in early spring before new growth begins.
How big does Smilacina stellata grow?
Smilacina stellata reaches a height of 0.6 m.
Is Smilacina stellata hardy in the UK?
Smilacina stellata has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Smilacina stellata?
Division in early spring or fall; seed propagation is possible but slow.
