Convallaria majalis
lily-of-the-valley
With its sweetly fragrant, nodding white bell-shaped flowers, this hardy perennial adds charm to shaded gardens in late spring.
Slender arching stems rise above lush green foliage, creating a delicate yet striking display. Convallaria majalis, commonly known as Lily of the Valley, thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and naturalises easily, forming a dense carpet over time.
Ideal for woodland gardens, shady borders, or under trees, it brings brightness to darker spots and requires minimal maintenance once established. Spreading via underground rhizomes, this cottage garden favourite also makes an excellent cut flower, allowing you to enjoy its scent indoors.
Please note that our field-grown lily-of-the-valley are sold as bare root plants. To ensure the rhizomes stay hydrated, we may have supplied them with a little compost or potted them up temporarily. Because of this, they may not yet have a well-developed root system; do not worry if the soil falls away easily when you are planting them out. If you have purchased a multibuy offer, your plants will arrive in a bundle of five, which can be gently teased apart before planting.
Slender arching stems rise above lush green foliage, creating a delicate yet striking display. Convallaria majalis, commonly known as Lily of the Valley, thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and naturalises easily, forming a dense carpet over time.
Ideal for woodland gardens, shady borders, or under trees, it brings brightness to darker spots and requires minimal maintenance once established. Spreading via underground rhizomes, this cottage garden favourite also makes an excellent cut flower, allowing you to enjoy its scent indoors.
Please note that our field-grown lily-of-the-valley are sold as bare root plants. To ensure the rhizomes stay hydrated, we may have supplied them with a little compost or potted them up temporarily. Because of this, they may not yet have a well-developed root system; do not worry if the soil falls away easily when you are planting them out. If you have purchased a multibuy offer, your plants will arrive in a bundle of five, which can be gently teased apart before planting.
How to care for Convallaria majalis:
Convallaria thrives in shady spots with well-drained, humus-rich soil. When planting bare root rhizomes, position them 5-8cm (2-3in) deep and space them 20cm (8in) apart to allow room for spreading.
Potted plants can be placed at 30cm (12in) apart and will increase to provide excellent ground cover. Water the rhizomes well after planting to help establish them.
To maintain healthy growth and prevent overcrowding, divide and replant congested clumps in September by carefully lifting the clumps and separating the rhizomes, ensuring each division has some roots attached.
Apply a generous mulch of composted leaf mould around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and enrich the soil as it decomposes.
Potted plants can be placed at 30cm (12in) apart and will increase to provide excellent ground cover. Water the rhizomes well after planting to help establish them.
To maintain healthy growth and prevent overcrowding, divide and replant congested clumps in September by carefully lifting the clumps and separating the rhizomes, ensuring each division has some roots attached.
Apply a generous mulch of composted leaf mould around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and enrich the soil as it decomposes.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.25m
Eventual spread:
0.25m
Position:
Light shade / shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
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Humans/Pets: TOXIC if eaten
