Convallaria majalis |
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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
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| | Common Name: Lily of the Valley |
A charming, old-fashioned favorite. Arching racemes of pendulous, bell-shaped, pure white flowers appear in spring and last for several weeks. These blooms are very fragrant; they are even used in making perfume! Tiny orange berries follow the flowers.
Despite the dainty appearance of the blossoms, Convallaria is actually a tough, vigorous groundcover. Use it to cover slopes and riverbanks or in shady woodland sites, even under trees.
Origin: Not Native to North America
Characteristics:
Height:
6-8 Inches
Spread:
8-15 Inches
Flower Color:
White Shades
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sun or Shade?:
Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)
Full shade (< 4 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
Average water needs
Consistent water needs
Need critter resistant plants?:
Deer resistant
How fast should it grow?:
Rapid
When should it bloom?:
Mid-spring
Late spring
How's your soil?:
Average Soil
Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
Container/Patio
Woodland/Shade
Eclectic
Lily of the Valley grows best in woodland conditions: fertile, humus-rich, moist soil and partial to full shade. It will, however, grow in full sun in northern regions if the soil remains moist. Be careful when siting this plant--though it may take a while to get started, this plant will spread rapidly, forming a dense, weed-smothering groundcover.
Lily of the Valley greatly benefits from an annual application of organic compost each fall.