Maianthemum japonicum
Japanese false Solomon's seal
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
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
- Japan, China, Korea
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, lime-free, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. Shelter from cold winds
Propagation
Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in autumn, or by division of rhizomes in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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