Click here to view all Lily of the Valley varieties

Planting Lily of the Valley

When?

• The best time to plant Lily of the Valley is in the spring or fall.

Where?

• Lily of the Valley is winter hardy and can be grown in USDA Zones 2-7. Not sure about your growing zone? Check here.
• It is easily grown in part shade to full shade in evenly moist, fertile, organically rich, well-drained soils. It will grow in full sun in northern regions if the soil remains moist. If you live in a warmer part of its growing zones, full shade is best.
• Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including clay soils.
• Dry conditions will tend to restrict its growth.
• Long-lived and reliable, Lily of the Valley is often used in shade gardens as a lush groundcover. It looks great underplanting shrubs and roses or under trees where many other plants will not grow.
• Do not plant in perennial borders, as it can quickly spread and escape its boundaries, potentially choking out nearby plants.
• In addition to its garden uses, it can be planted in a container and placed in a shady spot.

How?

• Dig over the soil to loosen it, at least twelve inches deep (30 cm).
• Plant the rhizomes about 6 in. apart with the pointed bud buried about 1/2 inch below soil level.
• Spread the roots out around the pointed bud.
• Cover the roots with soil and water thoroughly.

Click here to compare all Lily of the Valley varieties

Lily of the Valley as Cut Flowers

• Pick in the morning, after the dew has dried.
• Select flowering stems with 1/4 of the buds open. Do not forget to add some leaves in the bouquet.
• Cut the stems at a 90-degree angle.
• Place the vase in a cool place out of direct sunlight to help the flowers last for longer.
• The flowers will last up to one week.
• Change the water every couple of days.

Lily of the Valley Care

• Incredibly easy to grow, this plant requires little to no maintenance once it is established.
• Keep the soil evenly moist.
• Do not let plants dry out. Soil that is too dry will affect the plant’s growth and flowering.
• After blooming, do not remove the foliage.
• The plant greatly benefits from an annual application of organic compost each fall.

Fertilizer

• Lily of the Valley typically does not need any fertilizer unless your soil is poor. If your soil lacks nutrients, you can add a slow-release granular fertilizer in the spring.

Pruning

• No pruning or deadheading needed.

Propagating

Lily of the Valley can be propagated by division in the fall or by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe (remove flesh from seed prior to sowing).

Pest and Diseases

• This plant contains cardiac glycosides —a substance that makes it deer or rodent resistant. It is highly toxic if consumed by humans or animals.
• Lily of the Valley is relatively trouble-free but keep an eye out for swift moth caterpillars, gray molds, and leaf spots.