Lily of the valley, Convallaria majalis, is a low-growing, spreading perennial plant, bearing arching stems of white bell-shaped flowers with a wonderful perfume. It makes good ground cover in shady spots. It's a fantastic choice for a woodland garden or shady border, as well as for planting beneath shrubs. It also makes a charming addition to a spring posy.
The blooms of lily of the valley are special for their delicate shape, fragrant perfume and symbolic meaning. In the traditional language of flowers, they symbolise the return of happiness. The plant is also associated with humility due to the belief that it grew at Christ’s crucifixion on the ground where Mary’s tears fell. All parts of lily of the valley are poisonous to humans and to pets.
As a British wildflower, it’s an ancient woodland indicator and the blooms are visited by bees.
Bear in mind that all parts of lily of the valley – especially the berries – are poisonous to humans and pets. Lily of the valley can also cause skin irritation, so wear gloves when handling any part of the plant.
Where to grow lily of the valley
Grow lily of the valley in moist but well drained soil in full or partial shade. It grows well under trees and is ideal for woodland and cottage gardens – particularly for large gardens as it can be a vigorous spreader. In smaller gardens, lily of the valley can be grown in containers.
How to plant lily of the valley
Newly planted lily of the valley will struggle to grow in cold, wet conditions. Plant into pots during March, then grow on under cover before planting out when the soil has warmed up. By mid-May you can plant lily of the valley out into your borders.
Caring for lily of the valley
Lily of the valley thrives in the right location without too much interference. Add a mulch of leaf mould around the base of the plants in autumn. Divide congested clumps every few years. Lily of the valley doesn’t need pruning or deadheading.
Water well after planting and keep watering regularly for the first few weeks, but ensure soil has good drainage. Plants can suffer or die in cold, waterlogged soil over the winter. Lily of the valley shouldn’t require further watering, but a good mulch will help to conserve moisture in the soil. Place outdoor plants in pots in partial shade and water regularly in dry spells, preferably with rain water.
How to propagate lily of the valley
Lift and divide clumps of lily of the valley every few years in autumn when plants are dormant. Lift clumps with a fork and gently split the clump into individual rhizomes with roots attached, sometimes referred to as ‘pips’. Replant in the garden or pot up each rhizome in peat-free multi-purpose compost and water well. Place under cover over winter before planting out in the garden in spring.
Pests and diseases
Lily of the valley plants are generally free from pests and diseases, but they can suffer from grey moulds and leaf spots. Avoid getting water on the leaves when watering plants to minimise the risk of fungal disease.
Lily of the valley varieties to try
Convallaria majalis 'Hardwick Hall'
Convallaria majalis 'Hardwick Hall' is a variety with deep green, lance-shaped foliage with irregular cream-white stripes around the leaf edge. The flowers are larger than those of the standard Convallaria majalis.
Height x Spread: 30cm x 20cm
Convallaria majalis 'Albostriata'
Convallaria majalis 'Albostriata' is a variegated lily of the valley, with cream-striped leaves and cream-white flowers. Most variegated cultivars revert to plain leaves within a few years, but 'Albostriata' is less likely to do so. Plants don't spread so easily, which means it’s a good choice for smaller gardens
H x S: 30cm x 20cm
Convallaria majalis var. rosea
Convallaria majalis var. rosea is an unusual pale pink variety of lily of the valley.
H x S: 30cm x 20cm
Convallaria majalis 'Vic Pawlowski's Gold'
Convallaria majalis 'Vic Pawlowski's Gold' has cream-striped leaves and larger-than-average flowers.
H x S: 30cm x 20cm
Frequently asked questions
Is it okay to touch lily of the valley?
All parts of lily of the valley are highly poisonous for humans and pets, especially the berries. Lily of the valley can also cause skin irritation, so wear gloves when handling any part of the plant.
What month do lily of the valley flower?
Lily of the valley flowers in May, sometimes into June.