Maianthemum bifolium subsp. kamtschaticum var. minimum

May Lily Asparagaceae

For those who like their woodland plants small, but their botanical mysteries large. This exceptionally diminutive form of false lily-of-the-valley forms a delicate carpet of slender rhizomes, producing tiny, glossy, heart-shaped leaves on short stems. In late spring, airy sprays of minute white flowers rise just above the foliage, followed by small berries which ripen red.

The name minimum reflects its notably reduced stature, and this plant is best regarded as a dwarf geographical form rather than a universally accepted botanical variety. The taxonomy surrounding the Maianthemum bifolium complex is particularly untidy: plants historically called M. bifolium subsp. kamtschaticum are frequently treated today as Maianthemum dilatatum, while var. minimum is encountered principally in horticultural and older botanical literature.

It is a delightful plant for the front of a woodland border, troughs, shaded rock gardens or naturalising beneath small deciduous trees. Give it cool, humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil and shade. Its restrained habit makes it particularly useful where the standard forms would simply become too enthusiastic.

Height: 10–20cm
Spread: 30–50cm
Flowering: May–June
Fruiting: July–September
Hardiness: H7, below -20°C
Position: Partial shade to shade
Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
Habit: Rhizomatous, slowly spreading woodland perennial