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What is Lily of the Valley?

Lily of the Valley, botanically known as Convallaria majalis and often affectionately called May Bell, is a classic woodland plant known worldwide for its unparalleled fragrance and delicate white bell-shaped flowers. The plant grows from a horizontal network of underground rhizomes and forms broad, lance-shaped leaves with a fresh green color that often shoot out of the ground in pairs. It is a true shade plant that occurs naturally in deciduous forests, where it forms a dense green carpet on the forest floor. At Planten247, we appreciate this plant for its ability to create a natural, almost fairytale-like atmosphere in places that receive little sunlight. The flowers are small and modest, but immediately stand out due to their pure white color and their intoxicating perfume that can fill the entire garden on a warm spring day.

The benefits of Lily of the Valley?

Planting Convallaria majalis brings much joy to the garden, especially in shady spots where other plants sometimes struggle to survive. One of the greatest benefits is, of course, the delightful, sweet scent that floats through the garden in May. Additionally, the plant acts as an excellent and strong ground cover; thanks to its creeping rhizomes, it forms a dense carpet in a short time that effectively suppresses weeds. Moreover, the plant is very low-maintenance and requires little care once it is well settled in its spot. For gardeners who love a natural look, it is the perfect plant for underplanting under trees and larger shrubs, where it colors the soil a beautiful green.

What to look for when buying Lily of the Valley?

When buying Lily of the Valley, the vitality of the rhizomes (also called 'noses') is the most important factor for success. Make sure they feel firm and are not dried out or slimy. When buying potted plants, the foliage should have a healthy, deep green color without brown edges or spots, which can indicate a lack of moisture or disease. At Planten247, we select only vigorous specimens that already have a well-developed root system, so that after planting they can immediately put their energy into sprouting and flowering. When purchasing in the spring, also ensure that the flower buds are already visible if you want to enjoy the fragrance that same year.

Lily of the Valley Hardy

Convallaria majalis is exceptionally hardy and is fully adapted to the climates of Northern and Central Europe. The plant survives even the harshest winters with heavy frost without any difficulty. In the autumn, the plant retreats completely underground, during which the above-ground leaves die off and the rhizomes enter a deep dormancy. During this period, the plant is protected from the cold by the soil. In early spring, as soon as the soil temperature rises, the plant sprouts vigorously again. This makes it a very reliable and durable perennial for the long term in any garden.

Lily of the Valley Flowering Time

As the alternative name 'Maybell' already reveals, the peak of the flowering period is mainly in the month of May. Depending on the location and the warmth of the spring, the first fragrant bell-shaped flowers can appear as early as the end of April. Flowering usually continues until early June. The flowers appear on a short, curved stem that rises between the leaves, with several white bell-shaped flowers hanging from each stem. After the flowering period, the flowers disappear, but the foliage remains decorative. In rare cases, small red berries may appear after flowering, but be careful with these, as they are extremely poisonous.

Planting Lily of the Valley?

The best time to plant Lily of the Valley is in the autumn (September-October) or in the early spring (March-April). It is crucial to choose the right location: the plant likes partial shade to full shade. Direct afternoon sun must be avoided, as this can burn the leaves. As for soil type, the plant prefers humus-rich, slightly moist, and well-drained soil. When planting, mix some compost into the planting hole to mimic the natural forest floor. Plant the rhizomes shallowly, about 2 to 3 centimeters below the soil surface. For a beautiful and fast-growing green carpet, we recommend a planting density of approximately 12 to 16 plants per square meter.

How do I care for Lily of the Valley?

The maintenance of Lily of the Valley is minimal, making it an ideal plant for the busy gardener. You do not need to prune the plant; the foliage dies back naturally in the winter. You can gently rake away the old leaf debris in the spring to make room for the new shoots, but you can also leave it as natural fertilizer. During a very dry spring, it is important to water regularly, as the plant requires moist soil for its flowers to develop properly. An annual layer of leaf mold or compost in the autumn is highly appreciated and ensures that the soil remains rich in nutrients and moisture.

Buy Lily of the Valley

Do you want to bring that iconic and nostalgic spring scent into your own garden? Buying Lily of the Valley at Planten247 means choosing vital, top-quality plants that have been grown with care for an optimal start. Whether you want to fill a shady corner or create complete ground cover under your trees, we deliver the right specimens directly to your home. We ensure fast and safe shipping in protective packaging so that the rhizomes and foliage arrive in perfect condition and you can get to work in your garden immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lily of the Valley

Is Lily of the Valley Poisonous?

Yes, Convallaria majalis is highly toxic in all its parts — from the rhizomes and leaves to the flowers and berries — if ingested. The plant contains cardiac glycosides that can cause serious symptoms in both humans and dogs and cats. It is therefore important to place the plant in a location where small children or pets cannot accidentally eat it. Even the water in a vase that has held the flowers contains these toxic substances and should never be drunk. Upon contact with the plant, the sap can sometimes cause mild skin irritation, so wearing gardening gloves while planting or dividing is a sensible precaution.

Is Lily of the Valley a perennial?

Yes, Lily of the Valley is a true perennial. Once planted, the plant will faithfully return every year. Over the years, it will even become increasingly vigorous; via underground runners, the plant spreads slowly but surely, making the ground cover increasingly dense and lush. It is a plant that can live to a very old age and remain in the same spot in the shade for generations without losing any of its beauty.

Is Lily of the Valley evergreen?

No, Lily of the Valley is not evergreen. After the summer period, the plant begins to prepare for its dormancy period, and the leaves will slowly turn yellow and then brown. In winter, the above-ground part dies back completely. Although nothing is visible during the cold months, the rhizomes in the ground remain very much alive. In spring, usually from late March or early April, new, fresh shoots reappear above ground to provide the garden with a green carpet of foliage once again.

How long does Lily of the Valley bloom?

The actual flowering period of an individual Lily of the Valley lasts on average about three to four weeks. The duration of flowering depends heavily on temperature and humidity; in a cool and slightly damp spring, the white bells remain beautiful considerably longer than during a period of early heat and drought. Although the flowering period is relatively concentrated in the month of May, the experience is very intense due to the enormous quantity of flowers that appear simultaneously and the powerful fragrance they emit.

Which plants combine with Lily of the Valley?

Thanks to its modest height and love of shade, Lily of the Valley combines excellently with other inhabitants of the woodland edge. It forms a beautiful contrast with the large, decorative leaves of the Hosta (Host Lily) or the fine, feather-light leaves of various Ferns. Solomon's Seal is also a natural partner that fits perfectly in terms of atmosphere and location. For a beautiful color contrast in the spring, you can plant them next to the Caucasian forget-me-not (Brunnera), whose blue flowers stand out beautifully against the white bells of the Convallaria.

How can I prevent the plant from becoming invasive?

The Lily-of-the-Valley can spread quite enthusiastically via its rhizomes, especially in humus-rich and moist soil. If you want to prevent the plant from crowding out other less vigorous border plants, you can easily limit its growth. The most effective way is to cut back the edges of the planting bed annually with a sharp spade. You can easily remove or relocate the dug-out rhizomes. For even stricter containment, you can also plant the plants in a buried plastic container or bucket (without a bottom for water drainage), so that the roots are physically held back.

Why isn't my plant producing flowers?

When a Lily-of-the-Valley produces foliage but does not bloom, this is often a sign of a less-than-ideal location. A lack of moisture during bud formation in early spring is a common cause. Also, if the plant receives too much direct sunlight, it may put its energy into surviving rather than blooming. Furthermore, a very dense, old mat of rhizomes can inhibit flowering; in that case, it is wise to dig up the plants in the autumn, thin them out, and replant the most vital rhizomes with a little extra compost.