Maianthemum bifolium
two-leaved false lily of the valley
A spreading herbaceous perennial, up to 15-20cm high, with glossy, dark green, heart-shaped or ovate leaves, 8cm across. Creamy-white flowers in late spring are followed by small round fruits which start pale green before turning red
Other common names
May lilymayflower
see moreone-blade
one-leaf
two-leaved lily of the valley
wild lily of the valley
Synonyms
Smilacina bifloraConvallaria biflora misapplied
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Suckering
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit 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
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp. Eurasia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe, or by division of rooted runners in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Ground cover
- Banks and slopes
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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