Maianthemum
False lily of the valley, Mayflower
- Height × spread
- 0.3m – 0.9m × 0.4m – 0.6m
- Position
- All conditions
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
These are related to Lily of the Valley. In character they are plants that like at least partial shade, growing with the protection of trees and shrubs. They generally have small flowers in whitish shades during spring. The foliage is attractive, lush and glossy in character. Some forms have coloured berries. The showy exception to these generally modest plants is handsome Maianthemum racemosum with frothy looking conical plumes of flowers in spring and later, showy red berries. Some of them have a creeping growth habit and can make a substantial colony over time, a considerable asset if there is plenty of space available. These have heights in the range 15cm to 1 metre. These were originally assigned to the genus Smilacena, and could return to that fold!
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 0.3m – 0.9m
- Spread
- 0.4m – 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Shady court, Scented garden, Mediterranean garden
- Sun or shade
- All conditions
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with sequestrol
If plants are acid loving and grown in soil with little acidity, or in a container, or are watered with limey tap water an annual feed with sequestrol (iron chelate) is highly beneficial. Follow guidelines on the packet. Will also 'blue-up' hydrangeas.
For hydrangeas that have good blue flowers in acid soil, this product can be used with alkaline soil to turn the flowers blue. This is most effective when the soil is neutral or just slightkly alkaline.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Summer
Summer - late · Planting
Divide the plant
Divide the plant and throw away any poor or weak growth. Immediately replant the divided portions.