Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)

Ideal for shady areas and heavy clay, Lily of The Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a low-growing rhizomatous perennial forming a lush, spreading ground cover.

Blooming for 3 weeks in mid to late spring, up to 15 sweetly scented, nodding, bell-shaped, white flowers hang along slightly arching flowering stems. Renowned for their powerful floral perfume, they rise above the handsome foliage of paired elliptic green leaves.

A real charmer and an outstanding performer, Lily of The Valley is trouble-free, requires little maintenance, and is deer and rabbit resistant. Long-lived, it naturalizes easily to form extensive colonies.

Facts about Lily of the Valley

Native: Lily of the Valley is a highly fragrant woodland plant native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the Asparagaceae family.

Plant: This is a low-growing rhizomatous perennial, 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm), that comes back year after year in spring. Lily of the Valley is a popular garden plant that can be grown in shaded areas and is often used as a ground cover.

Hardiness: Cold hardy, this groundcover can live for decades in cool climates (hardiness zones 2-7). It does not withstand hot weather.

Symbol: In many cultures, it is associated with the arrival of spring and is used in May Day celebrations. The Lily of the Valley flower is the birth flower for May and is also the official flower of Finland. In folklore, it is believed to have magical powers, including the ability to attract fairies.

Medicine: Lily of the Valley has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including heart conditions, headaches, and epilepsy.

Cut Flowers: The delicate white flowers are often used in bridal bouquets and other floral arrangements, as they symbolize sweetness, purity, and the return of happiness.

Fragrance: The scent of Lily of the Valley has been used in perfumes and other fragrances for centuries and is prized for its sweet and floral aroma.

Award: It is the recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society (1993)

Toxicity: The leaves and flowers of Lily of the Valley are toxic and should not be ingested.

How Poisonous is Lily of the Valley?

Lily of the Valley is a highly toxic plant that contains cardiac glycosides, which can be dangerous if ingested. All plant parts, including the leaves, flowers, and berries, contain these toxins. Even a small amount of Lily of the Valley can cause serious health problems, including gastrointestinal issues, irregular heartbeat, and seizures. Ingestion of large quantities can be fatal, especially in children and pets.

It is important to handle this plant with care and to keep it away from areas where children or pets might come into contact with it. It is also important to wear gloves and protective clothing when handling the plant, as contact with the skin can cause irritation or an allergic reaction in some people.

Cultivation

Lily of the Valley is a fairly low-maintenance plant that is relatively easy to grow. Here are the steps for growing it:

When to plant: The best time to plant Lily of the Valley is spring or fall.

Choose a planting site: Lily of the Valley prefers partial to full shade and well-draining soil rich in organic matter.

Prepare the soil: Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage.

Plant the rhizomes: Plant them in the soil about 1/2 inches deep (1 cm), spaced about 6-8 inches apart. Water well after planting.

Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.

Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.

Fertilize: Fertilization is not usually necessary, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year if desired.

Propagate: Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe (remove flesh from seed prior to sowing) or propagate by division in autumn.

Where to Grow

Lily of the Valley is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of garden settings. Here are some of its garden uses:

Ground cover: It is often used as a ground cover in shaded areas, where it can spread quickly and create a dense mat of foliage. Its low-growing habit and spreading growth make it ideal for filling in areas under trees or other shady spots.

Woodland gardens: Because it is a woodland plant, Lily of the Valley is well-suited for growing in woodland gardens, where it can be planted alongside other shade-loving plants, such as ferns or hostas.

Edging: The small size and spreading growth of this perennial make it ideal for use as an edging plant, where it can create a neat border along walkways.

Perennial borders: Do not plant in perennial borders, as it can quickly spread and escape its boundaries, potentially choking out nearby plants.

Containers: Lily of the Valley can be grown in containers, such as pots or hanging baskets, which makes it a great option for smaller gardens or for gardeners who want to move the plant around to different locations.

Cut flowers: The fragrant flowers are often used in cut flower arrangements. A Lily of the Valley bouquet adds such a touch of elegance and fragrance.

Is Lily of the Valley Invasive?

Native to Asia and Europe, Lily of the Valley can be invasive in certain conditions. While it is not considered invasive in its native range, it has been introduced to many parts of the world as a garden plant, and in some areas, it has escaped cultivation and become naturalized in the wild.

In the United States, for example, it is considered invasive in some areas, particularly in the eastern part of the country. It is listed as an invasive species in several states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania, and is also considered a noxious weed in some areas.

Lily of the Valley grows from a rhizome and can spread quickly and aggressively, particularly in areas where it has moist, shaded conditions that it prefers. It can form dense colonies that can outcompete native plants and disrupt natural ecosystems. In addition, because all parts of the plant are toxic, it can be harmful to wildlife and other organisms that may consume it.

Find where this species is invasive in the United States.

Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

How to create pretty floral arrangements

Lily of the Valley is a popular choice for floral arrangements due to its delicate beauty and sweet fragrance. Its small, bell-shaped flowers add a lovely touch of elegance to any bouquet or arrangement. Here are some ways that Lily of the Valley can be used in floral arrangements:

Bridal bouquets: Lily of the Valley is a traditional flower for bridal bouquets, and its pure white flowers symbolize sweetness, purity, and the return of happiness.

Spring centerpieces: The delicate flowers can be used to create beautiful and fragrant centerpieces for spring events, such as Easter or Mother’s Day.

Mixed bouquets: The flowers can be paired with other flowers, such as roses, peonies, or lilacs, to create a charming mixed bouquet.

Small arrangements: Because the flowers are small, they are ideal for creating small arrangements, such as posies or nosegays.

Boutonnieres: A single Lily of the Valley stem can make a lovely boutonniere for a groom or groomsmen.