Convallaria

( kon - val - LAY - ree - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Known commonly as Lily-Of-The-Valley, this genus of flowering perennials which grow from bulbous rhizomes is native to the Old World, but has naturalized in the United States and Canada. It is considered a groundcover plant, getting to just 6-8 inches in height, and produces broad green deciduous leaves. They need partial shade and regular water to perform well in the landscape. Though these plants have a relatively short blooming period in early spring, flowers are followed by red berries in fall, extending their ornamental season. Take care when planting these shade-loving perennials in your garden, as all plant parts are poisonous to humans and pets if ingested.

Convallaria species and varietals

The small genus Convallaria includes just three species, and is a member of the plant family Asparagaceae. Lily of the Valley grows best in USDA hardiness zones 2-7 or Sunset growing zones A1-A3, 1-7 and 14-20.To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley, Apollinaris, Glovewort, Muguet, May Bells, Our Lady's Tears, Mary's Tears, May Lily)
These plants, commonly found in woods, meadows and scrublands, is native to Europe and the Caucasus. Fragrant, stout bell-shaped white flowers bloom in springtime, held on delicate blooming stems. Cultivar 'Rosea' has light pink blooms.

Convallaria pseudomajalis (Convallaria majulusca, Convallaria montana) (American Lily-Of-The-Valley)
This species is native to the eastern and central United States. and is larger and more erect than its genus-mates. These plants quickly form colonies in sandy soil under oaks in their native habitats. Individual plants reach up to 10-12 inches tall and produce leaves that extend to 14 inches long.

Caring for Convallaria

Take care when planting these shade-loving perennials in your garden, as all plant parts are poisonous to humans and pets if ingested. Convallaria naturally grows in the understory of woodland landscapes, and prefers shady areas that have clay soils. They will form extensive colonies, so make sure to plant them in an spot in the garden where this will not be a problem. Alternatively, some gardeners choose to grow Lily of the Valley in containers. Plant Convallaria rhizomes in rich soil in fall before freezing temperatures roll around. Set them 1.5 inches deep and space them 4-5 inches apart for best coverage. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. After planting, apply a thick layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, increase soil moisture retention, and maintain a constant soil temperature. Ensure that mulch does not go right up to the stems, as this creates an environment that favors fungal diseases.

Water new plantings regularly as they develop a strong root system. At maturity, they will need moderately regular waterings. As a general rule of thumb, irrigate whenever the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with a application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These woodland plants do not require much pruning; to clean up the look of plants, flowering stems can be cut back after blooms have faded. This will also discourage children and pets from being interested in the bright red berries that follow flowers. These plants will need to be divided if they are grown in a cramped border or other contained space. For instructions on how to successfully divide these flowers, see the Propagation section below. Convallaria flowers form clumps that can survive for between 10 and 15 years in the landscape before needing to be replaced. They form colonies when grown in optimal conditions that can last indefinitely.

Propagation

The simplest and safest way to propagate these flowers is through division of already existing clumps. To divide your Lily of the Valley plants, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Convallaria by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in fall, and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance, especially if you are growing your Lily of the Valley in a container or other cramped space. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your gloved fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section attached.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.

Problems and Pests

Convallaria, or Lily of the Valley, are generally pest and disease-free additions to landscapes. They can be susceptible to developing issues with the following if growing conditions are poor: