Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing
Position in border:
Middle

Soil

Clay / Heavy / Moist

Formerly Smilacina, Mianthemum is an elegant and sophisticated plant, ideal for growing in cool, moist shade. At first glance the plant could be mistaken for Solomon's seal, as the arching stems and the paired foliage look very similar. However when it flowers, slightly later than Solomon's seal, the difference emerges: mianthemum has long fluffy, cream plumes of flowers at the tip of each stem, similar in character to astilbe.

Mianthemum oleracea is particularly striking. The foliage rises early in the season and is held on tall, rigid stems. It bears red-edged, white flowers in huge clusters at the tips of stems.

Plants spread slowly by underground rhizomes, building up into dense clumps. For best results grow in moist soil in a shady position.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyesyes
Plantyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Divideyesyesyes

Maianthemum and wildlife

Maianthemum has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Maianthemum poisonous?

Maianthemum has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement