Maianthemum dilatatum (False Lily Of The Valley)

Maianthemum dilatatum (False Lily Of The Valley) is a vigorous rhizomatous perennial with pairs of broad, heart-shaped, heavily veined leaves, 8 in. long (20 cm), arising directly from rhizomes. From late spring to mid-summer, spiky clusters of tiny, white, foamy flowers are held on erect stems just above the foliage. They give way to showy, red translucent berries in late summer. Spreading rapidly by creeping rootstocks, a single plant can produce hundreds of above-ground triads. False Lily Of The Valley is a magnificent ground-covering plant for woodland gardens. However, use it with caution as it can spread aggressively. Do not plant it with other, less aggressive woodland wildflowers, as it would overwhelm them.

• Grows up 6-8 in. tall (15-20 cm). Will spread quickly to form large colonies.
• Performs best in part shade in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates heavy shade. Moist, loose, humus-rich soils are preferred. Will grow in nutrient-poor sites. Intolerant of heat and humidity.
• Easy to grow, 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.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails.
• Propagate by seed or by division. Plant seeds fresh (when berries turn red) in late summer
• Native to western North America from northern California to the Aleutian islands, and Asia across the Kamchatka Peninsula, Japan, and Korea.