MayFlower of the Month
Lily of the Valley
"Convallaria majalis"
A perennial plant that has been around since 1000 B.C., lily of the valley are one of the most fragrant blooming plants in the spring. The dainty pink or white bell-shaped flowers dangling from a leafless stem and glossy, dark green foliage make a classic pair. Lily of the valley are native to North America.
Size- 8 inches tall, 8 inches wide
Soil- Prefers rich, moist well-drained soil, the soil found in woodland settings.
Cold tolerant in USDA zones 2 to 7
Heat tolerant in AHS zones 7 to 1
Lily of the valley is not bothered by any serious pests.
Deer resistant
Divide plants in the summer after blooming or in the fall every four or five years to keep them from taking over an area. They can keep spreading indefinitely and spread by rhizomes. You can dig up, cut apart the rhizomes and move to another location or share with a friend. Replant them 12 inches apart and keep them moist for a few weeks until they get re-established. Make sure each new division has a leaf as well as a cluster of roots if you are giving them away to a friend.
A word of caution! Even though it is eaten by butterfly larvae, all parts of the plant can be poisonous to children and pets.
To feed plants, top dress with compost, like shredded leaves or well rotted manure, once a year in the fall. This should keep your plants healthy and creating the graceful blooms and enticing aroma we enjoy in the spring.
Like paperwhites, lily of the valley can be forced in just 3 to 4 weeks indoors for much needed middle of the winter fragrance.
Size- 8 inches tall, 8 inches wide
Soil- Prefers rich, moist well-drained soil, the soil found in woodland settings.
Cold tolerant in USDA zones 2 to 7
Heat tolerant in AHS zones 7 to 1
Lily of the valley is not bothered by any serious pests.
Deer resistant
Divide plants in the summer after blooming or in the fall every four or five years to keep them from taking over an area. They can keep spreading indefinitely and spread by rhizomes. You can dig up, cut apart the rhizomes and move to another location or share with a friend. Replant them 12 inches apart and keep them moist for a few weeks until they get re-established. Make sure each new division has a leaf as well as a cluster of roots if you are giving them away to a friend.
A word of caution! Even though it is eaten by butterfly larvae, all parts of the plant can be poisonous to children and pets.
To feed plants, top dress with compost, like shredded leaves or well rotted manure, once a year in the fall. This should keep your plants healthy and creating the graceful blooms and enticing aroma we enjoy in the spring.
Like paperwhites, lily of the valley can be forced in just 3 to 4 weeks indoors for much needed middle of the winter fragrance.
