Starry False Solomon's Seal

Smilacina stellata (correctly known botanicaly as Maianthemum stellatum) is a graceful perennial that provides a more delicate alternative to its larger cousin. It features elegant, slightly arching stems topped with narrow, lance-shaped, grey-green leaves. In late spring, small, star-shaped, creamy-white flowers are produced in terminal racemes. These are often followed by small berries that start out striped green and mature to a deep red or black. It is a tough and reliable plant for the UK woodland garden, spreading via rhizomes to form attractive colonies over time. It is fully hardy (H7) and performs best in moist, well-drained soil in partial shade, although it is more tolerant of sun than many other woodland species if the soil remains moist. It is particularly effective when allowed to naturalise under deciduous trees or at the edge of a woodland path, providing a subtle but beautiful spring display. Overall, it's a low-maintenance and long-lived plant.

Sun: Partial shade.

Soil: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: May, Jun.