Lily of the Valley: A Beautiful and Fragrant Groundcover

Fall in love with the fragrant, white flowers of lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis), a perennial that adds beauty and charm to any garden. Known for its ability to thrive in shady spots, this resilient groundcover plant offers a variety of cultivars that bring color and elegance to woodland gardens, evoking memories of childhood strolls and the intoxicating scent of its bell-shaped blooms.

Lily of the valley is cherished for its fragrant, delicate flowers that bloom in late spring. Its spreading growth habit makes it an ideal ground cover, gradually filling shaded areas with lush, green foliage. The plant thrives in moist, shaded locations, naturally forming dense clumps over time.

However, newly planted lily of the valley can struggle in cold, wet conditions. To ensure better growth, it’s recommended to plant the crowns in pots during March and grow them indoors before transplanting them outside. By mid-May, the plants will be sufficiently developed and ready for planting in your borders, increasing the likelihood of flowers in the same year. This extra preparation ensures the plant thrives and blooms, adding lasting appeal to your garden throughout the seasons.

Lily-of-the-Valley Basics

Despite its name, lily-of-the-valley isn’t part of the lily family. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family and is related to plants like asparagus and Solomon’s seal. Here are some essential growing details:

• Zones: 2 to 7. This hardy perennial thrives in colder climates and struggles in warmer zones above 7.
• Exposure: Prefers full or partial shade. Avoid overly sunny or dry spots.
• Bloom Time: Mid to late spring.
• Height: 6 to 18 inches.

Lily-of-the-valley spreads through rhizomes that form small conical offshoots called “pips,” which sprout into new stems and blooms. In Europe, it’s cherished as a symbol of May and spring.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros:

• Thrives in heavy shade, even under trees or shrubs.
• Tolerates various soil types, including acidic and sandy soils.
• Long-lasting blooms and glossy red berries in the fall.
• Resistant to deer and rabbits.
• Creates dense groundcover that suppresses weeds.
• Requires minimal maintenance—no pruning or winter care needed.

Cons:

• Can spread aggressively, so frequent dividing is necessary.
• Doesn’t do well in full sun or dry conditions.
• May take a couple of years to establish before flowering.
• All parts of the plant, including berries, are toxic if ingested.

Growing Tips

Planting

Plant lily-of-the-valley pips in early spring or fall. Space the pips 6 to 8 inches apart, with narrow tips facing up and roots down. Although the plants may appear sparse initially, they will fill in after a season. Lily-of-the-valley prefers moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.

Watering

Once established, the plant rarely requires additional watering, thanks to its dense foliage. During drought, water deeply to keep the soil moist and maintain healthy green foliage.

Dividing and Transplanting

Divide lily-of-the-valley every two to three years to control its spread. Divide the plant in early spring or fall when it’s dormant. Separate the rhizomes and replant them to maintain healthy growth.

Pests and Diseases

Lily-of-the-valley is generally pest-resistant but may suffer from fungal leaf spotting or crown rot. To prevent issues, ensure proper air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

Forcing Lily-of-the-Valley Indoors

You can enjoy the fragrance of lily-of-the-valley indoors by forcing the pips to bloom during winter. Plant the pips in pots after a few frosts and place them in a bright, room-temperature spot. Keep the soil evenly moist, and in a few weeks, the plants will bloom inside.

Lily-of-the-Valley Companion Plants

Combine lily-of-the-valley with other shade-tolerant plants to create a diverse and vibrant garden. Here are some plant companions:

• Periwinkle (Vinca minor) for a spring tapestry of lavender and white flowers.
• Azaleas and rhododendrons for a colorful spring mix.
• Ferns, hostas, or Solomon’s seal for contrast and beauty.
• Contrast lily-of-the-valley with bleeding heart, columbine, or hellebores for varied textures and colors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is lily of the valley known for?
Lily of the valley is loved for its fragrant white flowers and spreading habit, making it an ideal choice for ground cover in shaded gardens.

Where should I plant lily of the valley?
Lily of the valley thrives in moist, shaded areas, preferring partial to full shade to keep the soil consistently moist.

How should I start lily of the valley plants?
Start the crowns in pots during March and grow them indoors until mid-May. By this time, the plants will be ready for outdoor planting, increasing the chances of flowers in the same year.

Can lily of the valley tolerate cold, wet conditions?
Newly planted lily of the valley struggles in cold, wet conditions. Growing the crowns indoors before planting outdoors improves their chances of thriving.

Will lily of the valley flower in the first year?
Starting the plants indoors before planting them outdoors will increase the likelihood of lily of the valley flowering in the same year.