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Lily-of-the-Valley

Convallaria majalis

About

Lily-of-the-Valley is native to cool, temperate areas in the Northern Hemisphere. It is very hardy and makes a carefree ground cover. The small bell-shaped flowers dangle above rich green foliage each spring and are wonderfully fragrant.

Planting

Soak the “pips," or bulbous roots, in lukewarm water for a few hours before planting. They will swell a bit from absorbing water, which will help them grow quicker when planted. Plant 8-12" apart in well-drained, rich soil in an area that receives part to full shade. Plant so the top of the pip is barely sticking out of the ground and the roots are spread out. Pack the soil firmly around the pips and water well.

Maintenance

Keep soil moist, but not soggy. Prune off spent flower stalks. Feed twice a year with a general fertilizer, once in late spring and again midsummer. The plants will spread rapidly via underground stems called rhizomes, so use lawn edging if you wish to restrict growth.

Over-wintering

Lily-of-the-Valley is quite hardy, but you can mulch around the plants to protect the root system during winter’s freezing and thawing cycles.