Lily of the Valley is a popular choice for the earl y spring landscape and is one of the most fragrant bloom ing plants in the spring and early summer throughout the northern temperate zone. Grown most successfully as a ground cover, this plant spreads quickly to create large blankets of petite white flowers. Quick Facts about Lily of the Valley Botanical Name – Convallaria majalis Height – 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) Spread – 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) Sun Exposure – Part Shade, Full Shade Soil Requirements – High organic partile content, moisture-retentive zones Hardiness Zones – USDA Zones 3-8 When to Plant – Fall Lily of the Valley Info The stems of Lily of the Valley plants are covered with tiny white, nodding bell-shaped flowers that have a sweet perfume and medium-bright green leaves that are lance-shaped, 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) high and 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.5 cm) wide.
This moisture-loving plant forms a spreading mass ingeniously designed to spread among pods remaining after flowering, which makes Lily of the Valley an attractive after-blooming and very care-free. Grown Lily of the Valley plants easily, as they will remain perennial in USDA Zones 2-9. When to Plant Lily of the Valley Lily of the Valley flowers (Convallaria majalis) are most commonly planted in the fall. At this time, prolonged periods of cool weather allow for the development of a robust root system. An interval of rest will also be necessary in helping to ensure that new planting is able to get a quick start the following spring. Where to Plant Lily of the Valley Though Lily of the Valley is generally considered to be quite adaptable, there are some specific considerations. Among these is its ability to spread throughout the garden, sometimes becoming invasive. Planting Lily of the Valley should be done with care, as the plant does have so many specific adaptations. Among these is its ability to spread throughout the garden.
Water and light requirements of Lily of the Valley plants grow best and be the best is that remain consistently moist throughout the entire growing season. Though uncommon, these plants may require supplemental irrigation when conditions are especially dry. The use of mulch is a great way to help retain moisture and keep the plant's root system cool throughout the hot summer months. Lily of the Valley will thrive in shaded beds that receive some indirect light. This makes them a good choice for growth under trees, or along the sides of structures.
How to Propagate Propagation and Division Pay a major role in lily of the valley care. Though general care for Lily of the Valley is minimal, their spreading habit needs routine attention. As the plants grow to form dense colonies, growths may find that the production of flowers has decreased significantly over time. When this occurs, the plants need to be dug and divided. Lily of the Valley plants reproduce through the production of small, underground rhizomes called "pip."
These pests can be separated and the removed by back to the soil. November or December is the ideal time for division. Problems, Pests, & Diseases Lily of the Valley seldom has serious problems with insects. Common pests like aphids or spider mites may occasionally affect the plants. However, most infestations can be easily treated. A sudden change in the appearance of the plant's leaf may lead growers to become concerned. Though this is generally a natural occurrence, it may also be the result of diseases like leaf spot or blight.
Problems, Pests, & Diseases Lily of the Valley seldom has serious problems with insects. Common pests like aphids or spider mites may occasionally affect the plants. However, most infestations can be easily treated. A sudden change in the appearance of the plant's leaves may lead growers to become concerned. Though this is generally a natural occurrence, it may also be the result of diseases like leaf spot or blight. These problems can be separated and then removed.
Though this is generally a natural occurrence, it may also be the result of diseases like leaf spot or blight. Is Lily of the Valley Poisonous? Though generally all parts of Lily of the Valley are extremely toxic. These toxins go through the system during hot and even dry seasons, consuming or opening to reveal hard seeds. Lily of the Valley Varieties With only a handful of named Lily of the Valley varieties available to garden centers, common types can be found at most home and garden centers. Plants which produce predominantly white flowers and have dark leaves include:
- Convallaria majalis 'Albostricta' – This type has dark leaves and is known to create longitudinal stripes.
- 'Aureomarginata' – This variety has cream to yellow-edged leaves.
Rose – A pink variety, not as vigorous as the white or red species but very pretty. Cortez 'Greene' – This North American native is great for naturalist gardens covering and providing a carpet of beauty between other native plants.
This easy-care plant doesn't require much to thrive. Preferring partial shade and moist soil, growing Lily of the Valley is easy if you know how and when to plant. That being said, these plants are adaptable and will grow very well in dry shade to full sun or full shade, depending on the amount of moisture it receives.
