Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) might look delicate, but it’s packed with surprises. Don’t let those tiny white bells fool you—this plant has a bold personality, a fascinating history, and even a bit of danger.
The Scent of Royalty: Its sweet perfume is legendary. In fact, it’s the star ingredient in Dior’s iconic fragrance Diorissimo. No wonder it’s been called the “queen of spring scents.”
May’s Flower of Joy: It’s one of the official birth flowers for May and a symbol of happiness. In France, it’s custom to gift a sprig of Lily of the Valley on May 1st to bring good luck!
A Royal Favorite: Kate Middleton carried it in her wedding bouquet when she married Prince William. Talk about botanical elegance!
Poison in Disguise: Every part of this plant is toxic, including the water from a vase of cut flowers. It contains cardiac glycosides, which affect heart rhythms. Learn more about toxic garden plants.
Not Just a Pretty Face: It’s an aggressive spreader, thanks to underground rhizomes. That’s why it’s listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
Woodland Wonder: This spring-flowering bulb thrives in shady gardens and pairs beautifully with ferns and hostas. But plant it with care—it doesn’t like to share space!
Lily of the Valley is equal parts beauty, mystery, and mischief. Whether you’re planting it or just admiring it, there’s more than meets the eye in those fragrant little bells.
