Lily Of The Valley
Convallaria majalis
Also known as
May Lily, Lady's Tears, May Bell, May Flower , Lily-of-the-valley, May lily, Our Lady's tears
Photo by CandideUK (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Frost Hardy
6a
USDA zone
-23°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 50cm |
10cm | Min | 10cm |
3 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a strong fragrance
More images of Lily Of The Valley
Lily Of The Valley Overview
Convallaria majalis produces very pretty, highly scented, nodding bell-shaped flowers. This plant is named in Christian legends as having sprung from the weeping of the Virgin Mary at the Crucifixion of Jesus. Since the beginning of the 20th Century, it has become a tradition to sell Lily of the valley as a good luck charm on International Labour Day (1st of May) in France. Despite its attractive appearance, all parts of the plant are highly toxic and will cause severe problems if even a small amount is ingested.
Common problems with Lily Of The Valley
Leaf spot may occur, but generally pest and disease-free.
How to harvest Lily Of The Valley
Flowers can be collected in spring by carefully picking a pair of leaves and a single flower stem from each plant.
How to propagate Lily Of The Valley
Bulbs
Lift, divide and replant bulbs in autumn at a spacing of 4cm apart. Water generously after planting.
Seed
Remove flesh from seed before sowing. Sow ripe seed in rich, well-draining soil about 4cm apart. Keep moist.
Division
Propagate by dividing either after flowering or in autumn.
Special features of Lily Of The Valley
Attractive flowers
Attractive leaves
Pot plant
Drought resistant
Other uses of Lily Of The Valley
Ground cover, fragrance, cutting bed. Orange red berries in autumn. Whole plant is poisonous if eaten.
Ornamental
Deer Resistant Plants
Although never fully deer proof - they are less likely to eat these.
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Fragrant Flowers - Top 20
Surround yourself with fragrance by including these to create a scented escape.
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