Likes moist soil, but will tolerate drought in shade
Z9 – Central Pacific Coast, USA
After a few years Lily of the valley flowers will become sparse and that is the time to divide the plants either in spring or fall. Dig up main clumps, separate, and replant.1
Best grown from root cuttings or ‘pips’. Place root in hole so top sits 1" below surface, cover with soil, water thoroughly
Z9 – Plant after last frost
Slow from seed
Lilly of the valley is traditionally a plant that is given away by gardeners as the easiest way to grow it is by planting pips. These are the freshly dig rhizomes.
Plant bulbs 8-12" apart in full to partial shade
Dig a 1-2in. layer of compost or well-rotted manure to a depth of 6 in., as soon as the garden soil can be worked in spring. Wait a week and then dig out the soil in the bed 1 in. deep and pile it neatly on a plastic sheet placed to the side of the bed. Plant pips horizontally covering with soil and water well. Keep lightly moist throughout the season. Mulch with compost or rotted leaves once foliage emerges. Fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.1
Choose a position in a woodland garden, under deciduous shrubs or a hedge, or in shade cast by buildings. Lilly of the Valley prefers shade and even miosture
Lily of the valley is hardy, so ensure you wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before considering planting outside.Used as a valued cut flower. Fragrant and elegant, used in buttonholes and brides bouquets.
The fruit are small red pea sized berries that contain two to six seeds. Lily of the valley is however, slow from seed and best grown from a piece of the root or rhizome.
These estimates for how long Lily of the valley takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.
Average 58 days | Min 58 days | Max 58 days (4)
Average days | Min days | Max days (0)
Average 300 days | Min 9 days | Max 1098 days (4)
This plant is poisonous, but has been used in herbal medicine for its cardioactive properties that are similar to digitalis. but much less cumulative. 2 It is better appreciated for its fragrance.
Leaves easily visually confused with wild garlic that grows in similar shaded woody places. A sniff of the crushed wild garlic leaves should confirm its identity
European lily of the valley, May Bells, Our Lady's Tears
Convallaria majalis L.
Misspellings: Lilly of the valley
1 “Gardening Made Easy, Pk 02”