Maianthemum bifolium subsp. kamtschaticum

RHS Plant Profile

Kamchatka two-leaved false lily of the valley

Synonyms

Maianthemum chasmanthum
Maianthemum bifolium var. kamtschaticum
Maianthemum dilatatum

Herbaceous Perennial

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A herbaceous perennial, up to 40cm high, with spreading rhizomes and broadly heart-shaped, thin, glossy green leaves. Clusters of creamy white flowers are produced in early summer, followed by small, round, mottled green berries that ripen to red

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

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

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

Position

Full shade Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or North–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: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Matforming, Spreading branched
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in humus-rich, moist but well drained, neutral to acid soil, in light or deep shade. Ideal for a woodland garden or shady border

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown as soon as ripe, or by division in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

City and courtyard gardens
Cottage and informal garden
Low Maintenance
Flower borders and beds
Ground cover

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails on young growth

Diseases

Generally disease-free