Maianthemum racemosum syn. Smilacena racemosa
Maianthemum racemosum is in our Scented Garden. Go to the bottom of the entrance steps and turn right on to the path, continue along this path passed the Mediterranean border, herb garden and alpines - right to the end and turn left. The Scented garden is the second turning on your right and Maianthemum is on your right hand side at the edge of the path.
Vital statistics
- Common name
- False Solomon’s seal, false spikenard, Solomon’s zigzag
- Family
- Convallariaceae
- Height & spread
- 90cm (36in) x 60cm (24in)
- Form
- Rhizomatous perennial
- Soil
- Moderately fertile, humus-rich, lime-free, moist but well drained
- Aspect
- Light dappled to deep shade
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
Maianthemum
This genus contains 25 species of mostly rhizomatous perennials from shady, damp woodland areas in Asia, Central and North America. They are closely related to Polygonatum, Solomon’s seal, and have similar alternate and lance-shaped leaves, either stalkless or short-stalked, on unbranched upright or arching stems.
Unlike Polygonatum species, which have flowers along the stems, Maianthemum species have panicles or racemes at the ends of the stems. The flowers are small, creamy-white, star-shaped and scented, followed by green berries which ripen to a red tint.
They make excellent plants for a woodland garden or shady border.
Maianthemum racemosum syn. Smilacena racemosa
The name racemosum/racemosa indicates the structure of the flowers, which comes in panicles or branched racemes. They consist of fluffy panicles up to 15cm (6in) long of tiny, creamy-white flowers up to 6mm (0.25in) across. These are followed by red-tinted, green berries.
This species comes from the USA and northern Mexico. It is clump-forming and has arching, downy, cane-like stems and pointed, oval leaves, which are prominently veined, mid-green, downy beneath, yellow in autumn and up to 15cm (6in) long.
Cultivation
- Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, lime-free, moist but well-drained soil in light dappled to deep shade. Shelter from cold winds.
- Maianthemum racemosum is generally free from pests and diseases.
Propagation
- Divide in spring or sow seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn.
AGM
The RHS Rock Garden Plant Trials Subcommittee awarded Maianthemum racemosum an Award of Garden Merit and described it as:
"Herbaceous perennial to 75cm, the arching stems with broad-elliptic leaves and fluffy terminal panicles of fragrant creamy-white flowers, sometimes followed by reddish berries. Yellow autumn colour."