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Herbaceous Perennial

Maianthemum racemosum 'Major'

A clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial to 1.1m tall, with upright to arching stems bearing deeply veined, alternate leaves. In late spring it produces conical plumes of tiny, starry white flowers at the stem tips; these are followed by pink-speckled berries that ripen to red

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green Pink Red
Autumn Green Red
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to the UK
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

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil in light dappled or full shade

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Divide rhizomes in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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