Maianthemum stellatum (Starry False Lily of the Valley)
Maianthemum stellatum (Starry False Lily of the Valley) is a creeping, rhizomatous perennial with alternate, pointed leaves, 5-6 in. long (12-15 cm), that clasp upright stems. In late spring to early summer, the stems are topped with sprays of 6-15 white, star-shaped, lightly-scented flowers.
Maianthemum stellatum (Starry False Lily of the Valley) is a creeping, rhizomatous perennial with alternate, pointed leaves, 5-6 in. long (12-15 cm), that clasp upright stems. In late spring to early summer, the stems are topped with sprays of 6-15 white, star-shaped, lightly-scented flowers. The flowers are followed by edible green berries with black stripes, turning red with black stripes, and then black. Spreading by underground roots, Starry False Lily of the Valley is a magnificent ground-covering plant for woodland gardens.
- Grows up 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm) and 10-18 in. wide (25-45 cm). Will spread by creeping rhizomes to form colonies.
- Performs best in part shade in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Rich, moist, humusy soils are preferred. Intolerant of heat and humidity. It will grow in full shade, but flower production will be minimal.
- Easy to grow, Starry False Lily of the Valley is a welcomed addition to shady gardens, cottage gardens, woodland gardens, naturalized areas or in moist areas near streams or ponds. Most effective as a groundcover or underplanting shrubs and roses.
- No serious pest or disease issues.
- Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in autumn, or by division of rhizomes in spring.
- Native to North America.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 3 – 7 |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Maianthemum – False Lily of the Valley |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late)Summer (Early) |
| Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spread | 10" – 2' (25cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 18″ (45cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, Alaska, California, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southeast, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma |
| Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |