Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a charming and fragrant perennial plant that is popular in gardens for its delicate white flowers and lush green foliage.

Despite its name, it is not actually a true lily but belongs to the asparagus family.

If you’re interested in growing and caring for Lily of the Valley, here’s what you need to know.

Annual Vegetative Calendar for Lily of the Valley

Lily of the Valley, with its delicate, fragrant white bells and lush green foliage, is a cherished perennial for shady gardens. To ensure this ground-covering beauty thrives, here’s an annual vegetative calendar tailored for Lily of the Valley care.

Spring

Month	Tasks	Description
March	Cleanup	Remove any winter debris and old foliage to allow new shoots to emerge unimpeded.
	Watering	Begin watering if the spring is unusually dry, to encourage growth.
April	Fertilization	Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to nourish emerging shoots.
	Mulching	Apply a light layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
May	Bloom Enjoyment	Enjoy the fragrant blooms. Continue light watering and weed control as needed.

Summer

Month	Tasks	Description
June	Pest Monitoring	Check for and manage any pest issues, though Lily of the Valley is generally pest-resistant.
July	Watering	Maintain consistent moisture, especially during periods of drought.
August	Division	If plants are overcrowded, late summer is a good time for division and transplantation.

Fall

Month	Tasks	Description
September	Preparing for Dormancy	Reduce watering as the plant begins to go dormant. Prepare the soil for next year’s growth.
October	Planting	Fall is an ideal time to plant Lily of the Valley pips for spring blooms.
November	Mulch Application	Apply a protective layer of mulch to insulate the plants through the winter.

Winter

Month	Tasks	Description
December	Rest Period	Allow plants to rest. Minimal care is needed during this time, just ensure the mulch is in place.
January	Planning	Plan for any garden adjustments or expansions in the coming year.
February	Early Spring Prep	Check on the health of the mulch layer and prepare for early spring care activities.

Caring for Lily of the Valley involves a mix of regular maintenance tasks such as cleanup, fertilization, and pest management, along with seasonal adjustments in watering and division to ensure healthy growth and fragrant blooms. By following this vegetative calendar, you can enjoy the delicate beauty of Lily of the Valley in your garden from spring through fall.

Adjust care routines as needed based on your local climate conditions and the specific needs of your plants.

How to Grow Lily Of The Valley Plants

Growing Lily of the Valley is relatively easy, and it can be done through root divisions, potted nursery plants, or seeds.

Spring and fall are both suitable times for planting, although some caution is needed in certain regions due to its invasive nature.

Lily of the Valley prefers partial to full shade and well-drained acidic or neutral soil.

To plant Lily of the Valley, dig small holes and place the rhizomes (root divisions) with the pip (pointed bud) about half an inch below the soil surface.

Spread the roots out around the pip and space the rhizomes about six inches apart. Cover with soil and water thoroughly.

Remember that Lily of the Valley is toxic to humans and pets, so it’s important to take precautions and keep it out of reach.

Where to Grow Lily Of The Valley

Lily of the Valley is a versatile plant that can be grown in various locations. It thrives in shaded areas, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens or areas with partial shade.

It can also be grown as a ground cover in moist and shaded spots, where it forms dense clumps of lush green foliage.

Consider planting Lily of the Valley as an understory plant beneath trees or in shaded borders.

The plant is adaptable and can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8.

However, it’s worth noting that Lily of the Valley can be invasive in some regions, such as the Midwest and Northeast of the United States, where its planting may be discouraged or even prohibited.

Always check with local gardening authorities or extension offices to determine if it’s suitable for your area.

Growing Lily of the Valley not only adds beauty to your garden but also attracts pollinators with its fragrant blossoms.

Just remember to handle it with care due to its toxic properties.

How to Plant and Care for Lily of the Valley Plant

Lily of the Valley is a charming perennial plant known for its delicate bell-shaped flowers and sweet fragrance.

While it may seem delicate, this hardy ground cover is relatively easy to grow and care for.

Here, you will find step-by-step instructions on how to plant and care for Lily of the Valley plants.

How to Plant Lily of the Valley

Planting Lily of the Valley plants requires careful consideration of the ideal location, soil preparation, and proper planting techniques.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Lily of the Valley plants thrive and flourish in your garden.

• Choose the right location: Lily of the Valley thrives in partial shade or shade. Select a spot in your garden that receives limited sunlight throughout the day.
• Prepare the soil: Ensure that the soil is well-drained and slightly acidic to neutral. You can amend the soil with aged manure or compost to improve its quality.
• Planting time: Lily of the Valley can be planted in either spring or fall. Spring planting is generally preferred, but fall planting is also acceptable.
• Obtain plant material: You can plant Lily of the Valley using root divisions, potted nursery plants, or seeds. Root divisions are the most common method and can be obtained from established plants.
• Dig the planting hole: Dig a small hole in the prepared soil. The depth of the hole should accommodate the root system of the plant.
• Planting process: Place the rhizome with the pip (pointed bud) in the planting hole, ensuring that it is positioned about 1/2 inch below the soil level. Spread the roots out around the pip and cover with soil.
• Spacing: Space the rhizomes about 6 inches apart to allow for proper growth and spreading.
• Watering: After planting, water the Lily of the Valley plants thoroughly to settle the soil and promote root establishment.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded leaves, around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
• Regular watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to rotting.
• Fertilization: Lily of the Valley generally doesn’t require frequent fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.
• Division: Every three to four years, consider dividing the plants to control their spread and rejuvenate their growth.

How to Care for Lily of the Valley

• Watering: Lily of the Valley plants prefer consistently moist soil, so water them regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely.
• Weed control: Regularly remove weeds around the Lily of the Valley plants to prevent competition for nutrients and moisture.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Pruning: After the Lily of the Valley flowers fade, you can remove the spent flower stalks. However, it’s important to leave the foliage intact to nourish the plant.
• Pest and disease control: Lily of the Valley is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, slugs and snails may occasionally feed on the foliage. Use organic pest control methods or handpick these pests if necessary.
• Toxicity: Keep in mind that all parts of the Lily of the Valley plant, including the berries, are toxic to humans and pets. Take precautions to prevent accidental ingestion.

By following these planting and care guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of Lily of the Valley in your garden.

Lily Of The Valley Plants Pruning and Propagation:

Lily of the Valley plants are delightful additions to any garden with their fragrant bell-shaped flowers.

Proper pruning and propagation techniques play a crucial role in maintaining the health and vitality of these charming plants.

We will explore the process of pruning and propagating Lily of the Valley, helping you enhance their growth, control their spread, and even expand your collection.

Let’s dive in and discover the best practices for caring for your Lily of the Valley plants.

How to Prune Lily Of The Valley Plants:

Pruning Lily of the Valley is relatively straightforward and primarily involves removing any dead or damaged foliage, spent flowers, and excessive growth.

By following these steps, you can help promote healthier growth and maintain the overall appearance of your plants.

• Timing: It’s best to prune Lily of the Valley plants immediately after they finish flowering in late spring or early summer. This allows the plants to store energy in their underground rhizomes for the next season’s growth.
• Sanitization: Before you begin pruning, make sure to sanitize your pruning tools with a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water. This helps prevent the spread of diseases between plants.
• Dead and Damaged Foliage: Identify any yellowed, wilted, or brown leaves and remove them at the base. This promotes better air circulation and reduces the risk of fungal infections.
• Spent Flowers: Lily of the Valley plants produce small, bell-shaped flowers that fade and wilt after blooming. Snip off the spent flowers near the base to maintain a neat appearance and redirect the plant’s energy towards new growth.
• Excessive Growth Control: If your Lily of the Valley plants have spread beyond their desired boundaries, you can use pruning as a means of controlling their growth. Carefully remove any rhizomes or runners that are encroaching on other plants or areas of your garden.

Remember, Lily of the Valley plants are vigorous spreaders, so pruning alone may not entirely contain their growth.

It’s essential to regularly monitor and manage their expansion to prevent them from becoming invasive.

How to Propagate Lily Of The Valley

Propagating Lily of the Valley allows you to expand your collection or share these lovely plants with others.

While they primarily spread through their rhizomes, you can also propagate them through division or seeds.

1. Division: The most common method of propagation is by dividing established Lily of the Valley clumps. In early spring or early fall, carefully dig up the plant clump and separate the rhizomes. Ensure that each divided section has healthy roots and foliage before replanting them in desired locations.
2. Seeds: Lily of the Valley plants can also produce seeds, although this method requires more time and patience. Collect ripe berries in the fall and remove the seeds from the pulp. Stratify the seeds by refrigerating them for a few weeks, then sow them in pots or a prepared bed in early spring. Keep the soil consistently moist, and seedlings should emerge within a few weeks.

Propagation of Lily of the Valley can be an exciting process, but it’s important to note that these plants can be invasive.

Always be mindful of their spreading tendencies and consider containing them in controlled areas to prevent them from overpowering other plants.

With proper pruning and propagation techniques, you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of Lily of the Valley plants while maintaining their growth and preventing them from becoming overly invasive.

Lily Of The Valley Plants Pests and Diseases

Lily of the Valley plants are known for their delicate beauty and sweet fragrance.

However, like any other plant, they can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases.

In order to keep your Lily of the Valley plants healthy and thriving, it’s important to be aware of the common issues that may arise.

Common Pests and Diseases

Here’s an overview of the common pests and diseases that can affect Lily of the Valley plants:

Animal Pests

Lily of the Valley plants are generally not attractive to animals due to the toxic compounds present in their bulbs.

Rodents, such as mice and rats, typically find the bulbs distasteful, and even deer tend to avoid browsing on the leaves and flowers.

However, it’s important to note that the plant is highly toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, so it’s recommended to exercise caution if you have pets or livestock.

Insect Pests

Lily of the Valley plants are generally not heavily bothered by insect pests.

However, there may be some crawling gastropods, such as slugs and snails, that find the leaves of the plant rather tasty.

Keeping the garden area clean and free from debris can help minimize the presence of these pests.

Fungal Diseases

Lily of the Valley plants can be susceptible to various fungal diseases that can affect their leaves and stems.

Some common fungal diseases include:

• Leaf spots: This disease is characterized by the formation of small water-soaked spots on the leaves, which later enlarge and turn tan to reddish-brown. Fungal pathogens such as Ascochyta, Cercospora, Mycosphaerella, or Phyllosticta may be responsible for causing leaf spots. Avoid overhead watering and apply fungicides as a preventive measure.
• Anthracnose: Anthracnose can cause oval-shaped lesions that are dark brown with purplish margins. While this disease is not usually fatal, it can weaken the plant and reduce flower production. Wet conditions promote the spread of the disease. Applying fungicides and ensuring proper drainage can help manage anthracnose.
• Leaf blotch: Leaf blotch is another fungal disease that can cause brown spots with purplish-brown margins on the leaves. The spots are small and more or less round in shape. Similar to other fungal diseases, avoiding overhead watering and using fungicides can help control leaf blotch.
• Crown rot: Crown rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the base of the plant near the soil. It causes the plants to wilt and die, and tan to mustard-colored ball-like structures (sclerotia) may be observed. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed, and fungicides can be applied to protect the remaining plants.
• Rust: Rust is characterized by small yellow spots on the upper side of the leaves and orange-brown spore masses on the underside. Applying fungicides can help manage rust on Lily of the Valley plants.

It’s important to monitor your Lily of the Valley plants regularly for any signs of pests or diseases.

Prompt action and appropriate preventive measures, such as proper watering techniques and the application of fungicides, can help maintain the health and vitality of these beautiful plants.

Buying Lily Of The Valley Seeds

If you’re interested in adding this beautiful plant to your garden, you’ll need to find a reliable source for buying Lily of the Valley seeds.

Here’s some advice on buying Lily of the Valley seeds and where you can purchase them online.

Advice On Buying Lily Of The Valley Seeds

When purchasing Lily of the Valley seeds, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you get high-quality seeds that will thrive in your garden:

• Reputation and reliability: Look for reputable seed suppliers or nurseries with positive customer reviews and a track record of delivering quality seeds. This will increase the chances of receiving viable seeds that will germinate successfully.
• Seed quality: Choose seeds that are fresh and of good quality. Look for suppliers that provide information on the seed’s viability and germination rate. Fresh seeds have a higher chance of germination, so it’s essential to buy from a trusted source.
• Plant variety: Lily of the Valley comes in different varieties, so consider the specific type you want for your garden. Pay attention to the variety’s characteristics, such as height, flower color, and fragrance, to select the one that suits your preferences.
• Growing conditions: Lily of the Valley prefers shaded or partially shaded areas with moist, well-draining soil. Before purchasing seeds, ensure that you have the appropriate growing conditions in your garden to support the plant’s growth and development.

Where to Buy Lily Of The Valley Seeds Online

When it comes to buying Lily of the Valley seeds online, there are several reputable sources to choose from. Here are a few options:

• Vermont Wildflower Farm (vermontwildflowerfarm.com): This online store offers Lily of the Valley seeds with free shipping on orders over $39. They provide detailed information about the plant’s characteristics, including its height, light requirements, and bloom time. They ship within two business days, ensuring quick delivery.
• Amazon (amazon.com): Amazon provides a variety of seed suppliers, including Lily of the Valley seeds. Be sure to check the seller’s ratings and reviews before making a purchase. Look for seeds that come with planting instructions and information about the plant’s growth requirements.
• Burpee (burpee.com): Burpee is a well-known seed supplier that offers Lily of the Valley seeds. They provide information on the plant’s characteristics, maintenance requirements, and companion planting options. Their seeds are suitable for covering larger shaded areas and require minimal maintenance once established.
• Etsy (etsy.com): Etsy is an online marketplace where you can find various independent sellers offering Lily of the Valley seeds. Read the seller’s reviews and descriptions to ensure you’re buying from a reputable source. Etsy provides a platform for small-scale sellers, offering unique and sometimes rare varieties of Lily of the Valley seeds.

Remember to check the shipping policies, prices, and availability when choosing where to buy Lily of the Valley seeds online.

It’s also a good idea to compare prices and read customer reviews to make an informed decision.

Buying Lily Of The Valley Plants

If you’re interested in buying Lily of the Valley plants to add beauty and charm to your garden, there are several options available.

Here’s some advice and information on where to purchase Lily of the Valley plants online.

Advice On Buying Lily Of The Valley Plants

When buying Lily of the Valley plants, there are a few factors to consider to ensure successful growth and establishment in your garden.

Here’s some advice to guide your purchase:

• Suitable location: Lily of the Valley thrives in partially shaded areas, making it ideal for woodland gardens or spots with dappled sunlight. Ensure that your chosen planting location provides the right light conditions for these delicate flowers.
• Planting requirements: Lily of the Valley prefers rich, moist, and well-drained soil. Before buying the plants, assess your garden’s soil type and make any necessary amendments to create an optimal growing environment.
• Planting depth and spacing: When planting Lily of the Valley, make sure to place the roots approximately 2 inches below the soil line. Space the plants 6 to 8 inches apart to allow them room to spread and form beautiful colonies.
• Watering: While established Lily of the Valley plants are somewhat drought-tolerant, it’s important to water them consistently during the initial stages of growth. Provide regular watering for about two months after planting to help the plants establish strong root systems.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring when the plants start actively growing. This will provide essential nutrients for healthy foliage and blooms.
• Toxicity: Keep in mind that Lily of the Valley is toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Exercise caution and ensure the plants are out of reach of children and pets.

Where to Buy Lily Of The Valley Plants Online

There are various online sources where you can purchase Lily of the Valley plants. Here are a few reputable options:

• NativeWildflowers.net (Website: nativewildflowers.net): This website offers Lily of the Valley plants for sale. Check their product listings and enter your zip code to determine if the plants are suitable for your location.
• eBay (Website: ebay.com): On eBay, you can find sellers offering Lily of the Valley plants for purchase. Browse through the listings and choose a reputable seller with positive reviews.
• Breck’s (Website: brecks.com): Breck’s is another reliable online retailer that offers Lily of the Valley plants for sale. Explore their selection and choose the varieties that best suit your gardening needs.
• Local nurseries and garden centers: Consider checking with local nurseries or garden centers in your area. They may have Lily of the Valley plants available for purchase, providing an opportunity to select healthy specimens and receive expert advice.

Remember to verify the availability and shipping policies of the specific sellers before making a purchase.

With proper care and attention, your Lily of the Valley plants will reward you with their elegant beauty and enchanting fragrance.

Lily Of The Valley Varieties

Lily of the Valley is a popular and enchanting plant known for its delicate, fragrant flowers.

While the common variety features small, extremely fragrant white blooms, there are several other captivating Lily of the Valley varieties that offer unique characteristics and colors.

Let’s explore some of these varieties and their distinguishing features.

Lily Of The Valley Varieties to Grow

• Common Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis): This is the classic variety with dark green leaves and small, highly fragrant white flowers. It grows to a height of about 10 inches and is a reliable choice for any garden.
• Pink Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis ‘Rosea’): For a touch of soft pink, ‘Rosea’ is a delightful cultivar. The intensity of the pink color may vary among individual plants.
• Variegated Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis ‘Albomarginata’ and ‘Albostriata’): If you desire a pop of color in the foliage, these variegated varieties are excellent choices. ‘Albomarginata’ features white edges on its leaves, while ‘Albostriata’ has white stripes that gradually fade to green as the summer progresses.
• Yellow and Light Green Striped Lily of the Valley: Several varieties, such as ‘Aureovariegata,’ ‘Hardwick Hall,’ and ‘Crema da Mint,’ display striking yellow and bright light green striping on their leaves.
• ‘Fernwood’s Golden Slippers’: This variety stands out with its all-over yellow foliage that retains its color throughout the season, never fully transitioning to green.

These are just a few examples of the diverse Lily of the Valley varieties available.

Each brings its own unique charm and can add an extra element of beauty to your garden.

Remember to be mindful of its potential to spread and take over the garden, so it’s essential to manage its growth.

FAQs

Additional Resources

Here are some additional resources that provide helpful information on how to grow and care for Lily of the Valley:

• How to Grow and Care for Lily of the Valley – The Spruce
• Lily of the Valley: How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Lily of the Valley – Almanac
• How To Grow And Care For Lily Of The Valley Flowers – Gardening Know How
• How to Plant Lily of the Valley – BBC Gardeners World Magazine
• How to Grow Lily of the Valley Flowers for Beautiful Blooms – HappySprout

These resources offer comprehensive information on planting, care, and various aspects of Lily of the Valley cultivation. We hope that this collection of resources proves useful for your gardening endeavors.