Smilacina is a small but highly valuable –and highly praised– genus of plants. They grow naturally in wooded areas, where tree canopy is high, so there is plenty of soft, filtered light, and the ground in moist. Some nurseries will sell this plant under the latest name of Maianthemum (which translates from the Latin as May Flower — undoubtedly because it flowers in May (until July). The leaves and stalks are similar to those of another genus, Polygonatum, which resulted in the common name of False Solomon's-seal. Smilacina grows from rhizomes, which slowly spread across the area, providing a lush carpet of growth. The highly fragrant flowers are produced in white clusters at the ends of stalks, and are followed in the autumn by attractive bunches of reddish berries. Smilacina prefers a partially shady site and an evenly moist, rich soil similar to the conditions in its native woodland habitat. In Britain, you can get away with a sunny spot in the garden, but these plants will perform better in part shade. They are unfussy as to soil type, but they do prefer it to be moist and not baked hard in summer!