Speirantha gardenii
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Albuca gardenii
- Speirantha convallarioides
- Description
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False lily-of-the-valley is a rhizomatous evergreen perennial ground cover native to China in the asparagus family (asparagaceae). It is the only plant in this genus. Speirantha is derived from Greek and means 'twisted flower'.
This plant does best in shade to part shade in evenly moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils. It grows to 10 inches high and will spread slowly to 3 feet wide in several years, forming a thick ground cover. It is deer-resistant, humidity-tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant. Propagate by division.
In the spring, false-lily-of-the-valley produces a spray of white star-shaped flowers that are held above the shiny lance-shaped leaves. The plant may rebloom in the fall.
Use this plant as a ground cover in a woodland setting, an Asian themed garden, a fairy garden or to add winter interest.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Watch for aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Diseases to watch for include root rot and fungal leaf spots, especially in conditions with poor drainage.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Speirantha
- Species:
- gardenii
- Family:
- Asparagaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- China
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 0 ft. 10 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Creeping
- Dense
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- Dark berry-like capsules
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Flower Petals:
- 6 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Clusters of frqagrant white star-shaped flowers appear in spring. There may be a repeat bloom in fall.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Dark shiny green lance-shaped leaves are up to 10 inches long and grow from slowly spreading rhizomes.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Stems grow from slowly spreading rhizomes
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Slope/Bank
- Small Space
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Asian Garden
- Children's Garden
- Fairy Garden
- Shade Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
