Convallaria majalis
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Tried and True Recommended by 8 Professionals
Common Name: lily of the valley
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Ruscaceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Native Range: Northern temperate regions
Garden Location: Cornelia Sunnen Backyard Garden
Height: 0.5 to 1 feet
Spread: 0.75 to 1 feet
Bloom Time: April
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers, Fragrant Flowers
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Dense Shade, Deer, Rabbits
Uses: Cut Flower, Groundcover, Erosion Control, Will Naturalize

Culture

Lily of the valley is a perennial, rhizomatous plant. It does best in full to partial shade and moist fertile soil. It is propagated by division and plantings should be thinned when flowering becomes sparse.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Lily of the valley has very dainty white, bell-shaped flowers which are very sweet smelling and bloom in early spring.

Problems

Stem rot, anthracnose, and leaf spot can sometimes be a problem.

Garden Uses

An excellent ground cover and can be grown under trees in shade. May not be good for a perennial bed because it needs room to spread. The flowers make good cut flowers.

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