Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is not a true lily; it's actually part of the asparagus family, though its foliage is reminiscent of some lilies. This plant has small green leaves and petite, fragrant, white flowers rise on long stems from the leaf clumps in spring. This is a hardy ground cover that spreads gradually but persistently to form dense colonies.
It is considered invasive in much of the Midwest and Northeast. Be aware that lily of the valley is toxic to humans and pets.
| Common Names | Lily of the valley (Lily-of-the-valley) |
| Botanical Name | Convallaria majalis |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous, perennial |
| Mature Size | 6–12 in. tall, 9–12 in. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Partial, shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained |
| Soil pH | Acidic, neutral |
| Bloom Time | Spring |
| Flower Color | White |
| Hardiness Zones | 3–8 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Europe |
| Toxicity | Toxic to people, pets |
Lily of the Valley Care
Lily of the valley will grow vigorously in almost any spot with some shade. In fact, gardeners commonly use it under trees where many other plants won’t grow due to the shade. Plant the rhizomes about six inches apart with the growth buds buried about 1/2 inch deep.
This plant needs little attention to thrive once it’s established. It is a long-lived plant that doesn’t have any serious issues with pests or diseases. Plan to water during dry spells. Also, if flowering has decreased on older plants, it’s beneficial to dig them up and divide them to refresh their growth.
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Light
Plant lily of the valley in partial sun to full shade. Direct morning sun is all right, but the plant needs protection from the harsh afternoon sun. And if you live in a warmer part of its growing zones, full shade is best.
Soil
Lily of the valley prefers organically rich soil with good drainage. But it can grow in a range of soil types, including clay soil. It likes an acidic to neutral soil pH but can tolerate slightly alkaline soil, too.
Water
This plant prefers consistently moist but not soggy soil. Water whenever the soil begins to dry out due to a lack of rainfall and/or hot weather. Soil that is too dry will impede the plant’s growth and flowering.
Temperature and Humidity
Lily of the valley prefers mild conditions with average humidity. Temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees are best. The plant doesn't do well in dry, hot climates. Even in mild climates, it might die back during the hottest summer months, returning in spring.
Fertilizer
Lily of the valley typically doesn’t need any fertilizer unless you have poor soil. If your soil lacks nutrients, you can add a slow-release granular fertilizer in the spring. For the amount to use, follow the product label instructions.
Types of Lily of the Valley
In addition to the typical lily of the valley species found in gardens, there are several named cultivars available, including:
- C. majalis 'Rosea' bears rosy pink flowers.
- C. majalis 'Fortin's Giant' has larger flowers than the typical lily of the valley.
- C. majalis 'Flore Pleno' is valued for its double flowers.
- C. majalis 'Hardwick Hall' has a yellow outline to its leaves.
- C. majalis 'Albostriata' has white streaks throughout the leaves.
Pruning
No pruning or deadheading is necessary with this plant. Allow the foliage to remain in place and decay, which provides a natural mulch for the plants.
Propagating Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley is very easy to propagate by dividing the roots in fall or spring. Division serves both to create new plants and rejuvenate old colonies that have become too thick. Here's how to propagate through root division:
- Use a shovel to dig up the clumps.
- Separate the roots into individual sections by tugging them apart with your hands.
- Replant the divided roots in shady locations, about six inches apart and 1/2 inch deep.
- Water thoroughly upon planting and regularly until the new plants are well established.
Potting and Repotting Lily of the Valley
Perennials such as lily of the valley are not typical container plants, but with this potentially invasive species, container culture can be a good way to keep the plant within defined boundaries.
Lily of the valley can easily be grown in well-draining pots filled with standard potting mix. The containers can be any material.
Potted plants can be moved to a sheltered location to overwinter. It is also possible to grow them as permanent houseplants, though they will need to be moved to a cool location for several weeks each year during the winter to allow for a necessary dormant period. If given this annual dormant period, the plants will bloom indoors for about four weeks each year.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Pests that may affect lily of the valley include aphids and spider mites, both of which can be treated with horticultual oil—or simply ignored while waiting for natural predators to arrive and handle them. Pest issues are almost never serious.
Common diseases include stem rot, various fungal leaf spots, and anthracnose, none of which are terribly serious. Affected plant parts can be removed and destroyed.
How to Get Lily of the Valley to Bloom
This plant typically blooms for a period of about four weeks during mid spring to early summer—the exact bloom period depends on your hardiness zone.
Flowers generally do not need to be coaxed, but you may find that flowering in older colonies begins to fade as the clumps become dense and overgrown. Digging up and dividing the root clumps and replanting with a decent amount of space between them will stimulate better flowering.
Common Problems With Lily of the Valley
Browning Foliage
This plant is best suited for regions with relatively cool summers, and foliage decline often results in hot summers—though plants usually rebound when the weather cools again. If browning foliage occurs during midsummer, it's likely a natural reaction to hot weather.
Aggressive Growth
Lily of the valley can spread quite aggressively if growing in ideal circ*mstances. Check with local experts before planting it, and be prepared to do regular work to control the plant's tendency to roam.
FAQ
How should I use this plant in the landscape?
Lily of the valley is a natural choice where you want an easy-care ground cover for a shady area, and if you live in a region with relatively mild, cool summers. The flower spikes make good additions to cut-flower arrangements, so they are often grown in shady cutting gardens.
How long does lily of the valley live?
A patch of lily of the valley will live for decades if conditions are favorable, gradually expanding and forcing out competing plants.
Are there other options besides lily of the valley for ground cover in shady areas?
A unique type of native dogwood (Cornus canadensis), also known as bunchberry, is a ground-hugger with white flowers that makes a good option. Hardy in zones 2 to 6, it is a native North American plant that is neither invasive nor toxic.
How can I kill lily of the valley?
Should you grow weary of fighting the spread of this plant, the colony generally will succumb if you dig up the roots. Any small remaining pieces will re-sprout, so be prepared to watch out for new plants springing up. It may take a couple of years to eradicate all traces of a colony.
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Convallaria majalis. North Carolina State Extension.
Convallaria majalis. Missouri Botanical Garden.
