Lily of the valley

Plant family

Asparagus family (Asparagaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Semi-shaded

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Dark germinator

Germination temperature

5 - 10 °C (Degrees Celsius)

Plant distance

15 cm

Row spacing

15 cm

Seeding depth

4 cm

Instructions

Description

Taxonomy & classification The lily of the valley belongs to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) in the asparagus order (Asparagales). The genus Convallaria has few species, and the species Convallaria majalis is the best-known representative of this genus. Botanically, a distinction is made within the species between variants such as Convallaria majalis var. majalis and Convallaria majalis var. transcaucasica, but these are usually considered to be natural forms and not cultivated varieties. In horticulture, there are also cultivars with special characteristics such as a greater number of flowers or a different leaf pattern. Growth habit & appearance Lily of the valley is a perennial, herbaceous perennial that typically grows 10 to 30 cm tall. It has an underground, creeping rhizome that helps the plant to form dense stands. The plant usually forms two to three broad-lanceolate, glossy dark green leaves that emerge directly from the rhizome. In late spring, the lily of the valley develops a racemose flower with several white, bell-shaped, highly fragrant flowers that hang characteristically downwards. This scent attracts insects such as bees. After flowering, bright red berries containing the seeds ripen. These fruits are eye-catching but, like all other parts of the plant, are highly poisonous. Benefits in the garden and for animals Although lily of the valley is poisonous to humans and many animals, it has several positive aspects in the garden and in the ecosystem: - Lily of the valley is a popular ornamental plant, especially in semi-shady borders, groves or under trees and shrubs, where it acts as a ground cover. - The plant spreads vegetatively through its rhizome and can thus cover large, even areas. - It is also used as a cut flower and in pot culture. For animals and the ecosystem: - The highly fragrant flowers attract pollinators such as bees and provide pollen. - The red berries are eaten by some birds, which can thus contribute to seed dispersal. - In natural forest communities, Convallaria majalis is a characteristic species of wooded habitats, especially beech and oak forests in Europe.

Growing tips

Lily of the valley is practically never sown. Propagation is almost always via rhizomes (pieces of root) or by dividing existing plants. -> Best method: Planting rhizomes -> Main planting time: fall (October to November) Alternative: early spring