Maianthemum bifolium

RHS Plant Profile

two-leaved false lily of the valley

RHS / Janet Cubey

Other common names

May lily, mayflower, one-blade, one-leaf, two-leaved lily of the valley, wild lily of the valley

Synonyms

Smilacina biflora
Convallaria biflora misapplied

Herbaceous Perennial

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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

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Max Height: 0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H7

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free