This fragrant classic spring flower easily fills a shady space below a tree.
How can such a tiny flower give off such a tremendous scent?
It also makes adorable, tiny bouquets.
Credit: Ginny Weiler
It makes agood groundcoverin small areas.
Lily of the valley is toxic to humans and pets.
Most gardeners plant it under trees where it will fill the space over time.
Credit: Bill Holt
Dig a hole that is large enough and deep enough to fit the rhizome.
Place the rhizome with the pointed growth buds facing up in the hole.
Space plants about 6 inches apart.
Use these guidelines to care for this perennial in your garden.
Light
Lily of the valley needs full shade to partial sun.
At the warmer end of its zone range, it is best to plant it in full shade.
In too much sun, its leaves will brown.
However, in extended dry periods or droughts, water it slowly and deeply to restore soil moisture.
Dry conditions, just like too much sun, will lead to browning of the leaves.
Pruning
Lily of the valley does not require any pruning or deadheading.
In pots, the roots are exposed to the winter chill, unlike in garden soil.
Use wide containers with large drainage holes and fill them with a mixture of potting mix and compost.
Keep in mind that potted plants need more frequent watering and fertilizer than plants in the landscape.
Pests and Problems
This long-lived perennial is unbothered by serious pests or diseases.
Occasionally anthracnose, leaf spot, leaf blotch, and crown rot may occur.
Snails andslugs also like to feed on the plants.
Here are some popular ones to look for.
American Lily of the Valley
Convallaria majalisvar.montanais the North American variety of lily of the valley.
It has larger, fragrant white flowers and tulip-like foliage.
Like the white species, it grows 6 to 8 inches tall.
These are the toxic fruits of lily of the valley.
They start out green and turn a deep red as the season progresses.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
Lily of the Valley.
Guide to poisonous plants College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Colorado State University.
Accessed August 2, 2024. https://poisonousplants.cvmbs.colostate.edu/plant/123.
