Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is one of the sweetest-smelling flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. Its delicate white, bell-shaped flowers give off a lovely fragrance, and its bright green, lance-shaped leaves grow to about 3–5 inches wide and 4–8 inches high.
This plant is perfect for gardeners who want a low-maintenance, charming addition to their garden. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and can grow well in partial shade. In fact, Lily of the Valley is pretty adaptable, even surviving in dry shade if needed.
Planting Lily of the Valley Lily of the Valley is commonly sold as bare roots, called “pips,” during the fall or early spring. These are the rhizomes from which the flowers grow. To get started, plant the pips right after the ground is workable in spring, or buy a potted plant anytime during the year.
Be mindful—Lily of the Valley is toxic to humans, so if you have small children, plant it with care.
For the best results, choose a spot with well-drained soil and partial sun. While it doesn’t mind soil type, avoid swampy areas. Lily of the Valley prefers rich, moist soil, so if your soil is a little lacking, you can improve it by adding organic matter like compost, peat moss, or manure.
When planting, soak the pips in lukewarm water for a few hours before planting. This gives them a head start. If the pips have roots, trim them by about half an inch to encourage better branching. Plant the pips about 1.5 inches apart, ensuring that the tops are just above the soil surface, and water them well.
Lily of the Valley blooms in mid to late spring, with fragrant flowers that add a lovely touch to your garden. After blooming, let the foliage stay to help feed the roots for next year’s flowers. Over time, these plants will spread, creating a carpet of greenery and a subtle floral scent in your garden. If the plant starts to spread too much, thinning it out can help.
Growing Lily of the Valley in Pots Lily of the Valley can also thrive in containers. Use a pot with good drainage and fill it with rich, well-draining potting soil. Follow the same planting instructions as for outdoor planting—soak the pips in warm water, trim the roots, and make sure the top of the pips is slightly above the soil. Place the pot in a spot with partial sun, and water regularly.
Caring for Lily of the Valley For the best results, feed your Lily of the Valley plants with organic materials like aged manure, peat moss, and perlite. Apply a 3-inch layer of these to the soil and work it in to a depth of 6–8 inches. When planting, make sure the plants are level with their original container height.
Watering consistently is key to keeping the soil moist, and you can fertilize with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in the spring. Throughout the blooming season, use a water-soluble fertilizer to keep them growing strong. Adding a top dressing of compost or aged manure is a great way to provide extra nutrients.
Managing the Spread of Lily of the Valley Lily of the Valley is an aggressive grower and can spread quickly, which can be a problem if it takes over other plants. To manage its spread, plant it in containers or flower beds with clear borders.
Propagating Lily of the Valley Lily of the Valley can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes in the fall, after the leaves have died back. You’ll need some basic tools: hand pruners, a spade or pitchfork, a garden hose, and a bleach solution to sterilize your tools.
First, trim the dead foliage to about 6 inches. Then, dig out the rhizome clump carefully, using the pitchfork to avoid damaging the roots. Gently rinse off the soil with the garden hose and dip the rhizomes in the bleach solution to prevent disease.
Next, use a sharp knife to cut the rhizome into pieces, making sure each segment has at least two “eyes” (the small pink protrusions where new plants will bud from). Plant the rhizomes about 2–3 inches deep in rich compost and water well.
Lily of the Valley can also be grown from seeds, but it takes a lot more patience and care until they are strong enough to transplant.
Common Problems and Pests Lily of the Valley is susceptible to a few pests and diseases:
- Southern Blight: A mustard-colored ball on the base of the stem, treatable with fungicide or by removing the infected plant.
- Leaf Spot & Anthracnose: Water-soaked spots on the leaves that turn reddish-brown. Prevent by watering the soil, not the plant.
- Rust: Yellow spots on leaves, treated with fungicide.
- Foliar Nematode: Yellowing around the veins, prevent by watering at the base of the plant.
- Weevils: These pests attack the leaves. Treat with neem oil.
- Slugs and Snails: They leave ragged holes in leaves. Traps can help control them during rainy weather.
Varieties to Try There are several cultivars of Lily of the Valley, including:
- Convallaria majalis ‘Albostriata’: White with green stripes.
- Convallaria majalis ‘Aureomarginata’: Creamy yellow-edged leaves.
- Convallaria majalis ‘Rosea’: A pink variety that’s less vigorous but still stunning.
- Convallaria majalis ‘Greene’: A North American native that’s great for natural ground cover.
Safety Note Remember, Lily of the Valley has poisonous berries, so be sure to remove them and keep them away from children and pets.
With a little care, this beautiful plant can add a fragrant touch to your garden year after year!
