How to Grow and Care for Lily of the Valley
About Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) grows 6 to 10 inches tall and is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9. It grows best in part shade to bright shade with medium water.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a deciduous herbaceous perennial in the Asparagaceae family. It originated in Eurasia but is now widely grown in a landscape and as a houseplant. Lily of the Valley has USDA Hardiness Zones of (3-9). Lily of the Valley requires dappled sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) or partial shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Each Lily of the Valley plant is 6 in. – 10 in. in height and 1 in. to 2 in. in width. Lily of the Valley forms extensive colonies by spreading underground stems called rhizomes. New upright shoots are formed at the ends of stolon in the summer; these upright dormant stems are called pips. These grow into leafy shoots that remain connected to the other shoots underground in the spring. The deciduous leaves are green in color, simple, with a rosulate leaf arrangement. Flowering stems have two leaves and a raceme of 5–15 flowers on the stem apex. The flowers have six white tepals (rarely pink) fused at the base to form a bell-shaped—showy, fragrant white flowers less than one inch in size bloom in the spring. The flowers present on one side of the stem is a cluster. An orange/red berry occasionally forms in long-established beds. White or brown colored seeds develop that dry to a clear translucent round bead. Lily of the Valley is drought tolerant once established. It is suitable for placement in small areas in a garden, along walkways, or in woodlands. It is a good match for drought tolerance, shade, and rock gardens. A Lilly of the Valley plant can be used in mass planting within an appropriate shaded location. Lily of the Valley will grow in the shade under trees. All parts of Lily of the Valley contain cardiac glycosides and saponins, which are a medium severity poison that can result in an irregularity of the heartbeat, disorientation, and seizures in large amounts. Whether grown in the garden or grown as a houseplant Lily of the Valley represents a potential risk to children, cats, dogs, and horses. Historical records indicate that Lily on the Valley has been cultivated since 1000 B.C. Convallaria majalis is used as a food plant by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including the grey chi. Its scientific name, majalis, means “of or belonging to May.” Old astrological books place the plant under the dominion of Mercury, since Maia, the daughter of Atlas, was the mother of Mercury. In the “language of flowers,” Lily of the valley signifies the return of happiness.
When to Plant Lily of the Valley
Plant lily of the valley pips (rhizomes) in fall or early spring, about 1 inch deep, in moist, shady soil.
How to Plant Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley should be planted at a depth of 3 inches in dappled sunlight or partial shade into mildly acidic (pH 6.0) soils that are organically rich and provide good drainage. When planted in a bed, each plant should be allowed 4-6 inches of space. Lily of the Valley is an appropriate container plant in which initial placement at 3-4 inch spacing achieves a more satisfactory presentation of the flowers. A mature bed may have up to 15-25 plants per sq. ft. before dividing the plants for propagation is necessary. The container soil mixture should be loose to promote drainage. Propagation of Lily the Valley includes growing seeds initially indoors and dividing plants from an established bed. Lily-of-the-Valley is easily divided when dormant in spring or fall. Dig up the small rhizomes, gently separate, and replant four inches apart; plants will fill in quite quickly. Water the plants deeply after transplanting.
Lily of the Valley Care
The soil below Lily of the Valley should be watered while avoiding water on the leaves of the plants. Lily of the Valley should be provided with consistent moisture, especially during the initial planting season. Once established, Lily of the Valley is drought resistant and grows aggressively under good conditions. Dig up and divide Lily of the valley rhizomes or pips in the spring or fall when their planting areas become congested or overcrowded. The plants do not require staking.
Fertilizing Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley prefers slightly acidic soil. The addition of sulfur to alkaline soil is suggested at planting. A water-soluble fertilizer with a balanced ratio, like 10-10-10 or 5-5-5, is suitable for fertilization during the growing season applied at two-week intervals. In the event of poor flower production or if a soil sample indicates the level of potassium, a water-soluble fertilizer enriched with potassium should be provided throughout the summer continuing six weeks after the flower production.
Pruning Lily of the Valley
Deadhead spent blooms after flowering to encourage new bloom production and keep the plant looking tidy. Inspect your Lily of the valley stand regularly and cut away any damaged, discolored, or dying leaves down to the ground level when you see them.
Lily of the Valley Pests and Diseases
Southern blight (Sclerotium rolfsii) presents as tan or mustard-colored ball-like structures (sclerotia) on the stem base near the soil. Plants wilt and die. Remove and destroy infected plants. Apply fungicide to the remaining protected plants. Leaf spots and Anthracnose present as small water-soaked spots enlarge and turn tan to reddish-brown as the leaf yellows. Several fungus types cause it. Prevention involves wetting only the soil during irrigation. Apply fungicide to protect the remaining plants. Aureobasidium leaf spot (Aureobasidium microstictum) Small water-soaked spots develop, which later have brown streaks with yellow halos–these spots often form from the leaf tip downward. Infected leaves die prematurely. Prevention involves wetting only the soil during irrigation. Apply fungicide to protect the remaining plants. Rust. (Puccinia sessilis) Small yellow leaf spots are on the upper side of the leaf, while orange-brown spore masses are on the underside of the leaf. Apply fungicide to protect plants. Foliar nematode (Aphelenchoides spp.) Areas between the veins turn yellow and then brown. Water in a manner that keeps moisture off the leaves. Remove and destroy infected plants.
Is Lily of the Valley Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Yes, it is highly toxic. Every part of lily of the valley contains cardiac glycosides, and the ASPCA warns it can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems in dogs and cats. It is also poisonous to people. If you think a pet has eaten a toxic plant, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Lily of the Valley FAQs
Is lily of the valley invasive?
It spreads aggressively by underground rhizomes and can crowd out nearby plants. Grow it where it can be contained.
Does lily of the valley need shade?
Yes. It thrives in partial to full shade and moist soil and struggles in hot sun.
When does lily of the valley bloom?
It blooms in spring, with fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers on arching stems.
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