Species false lily-of-the valley

false lily-of-the valley

Maianthemum dilatatum

False lily-of-the-valley (Maianthemum dilatatum) is a perennial woodland plant native to central and northern Europe. It spreads by underground rhizomes, creating spreading colonies. As its name suggests, it looks very similar to true lily-of-the-valley, but its flowers are larger with glossy green leaves that curl slightly at the edges. The white, bell-shaped flowers appear in the spring. After flowering the plant produces green berries that ripen to bright red in the fall. False lily-of-the-valley is a hardy and attractive groundcover or border plant, best grown in shaded areas with moist soil.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3

Flowers:

Showy, White Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Filtered shade, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Humus rich

Fruits:

Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

False lily-of-the valley should be watered once a week in the growing season, and every other week in cooler climates. The soil should kept be kept slightly moist, but not wet. Water the plant until the soil is saturated and then allow it to dry slightly before watering again. This plant prefers slightly acidic or neutral soil with plenty of organic matter. Do not fertilize false lily-of-the valley.

sunlight

False lily-of-the valley (Maianthemum dilatatum) thrives best in full sunlight or partial shade. It prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day and can tolerate light shade. This species of plant does not tolerate extended periods of deep shade. When situated in a sunnier location, the plant will get fuller and bloom more profusely.

pruning

Pruning false lily-of-the valley (Maianthemum dilatatum) should be done in late spring or early summer, after the plant has finished blooming. Prune the stems back to an inch or 2 above the surface of the soil. This will help the plant to produce new growth and maintain its shape. Be careful not to prune too much, as this can damage the plant. Additionally, thin out any dead or diseased branches to help the plant thrive.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

False lily-of-the-valley typically start flowering in May.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Maianthemum dilatatum typically begins in June and continues through August.

Hardiness Map