Maianthemum japonicum

RHS Plant Profile
Japanese false Solomon's seal

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Japanese false Solomon's seal RHS
Japanese false Solomon's seal RHS

Synonyms

Smilacina japonica
Maianthemum japonicum var. mandshurica

Herbaceous Perennial
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A herbaceous perennial with a creeping, rhizomatous rootstock and hairy, arching stems to around 50cm bearing oval, pleated leaves. Open sprays of small, cream, star-shaped flowers in spring are followed by fleshy red fruit

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–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)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Correct
Plant Range
Japan, China, Korea

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, lime-free, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. Shelter from cold winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in autumn, or by division of rhizomes in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free