Perennials

Lily of the valley

Convallaria majalis

Lily of the Valley: 20 cm high and 25 cm spread, partial to full shade. White flowers in April. Zone 2; choose soil compatible with its moisture needs.

Format

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Exposure
Partial shade to full shade
Life cycle
Hardy perennial
Hardiness
Zone 2

Discover the plant

Common nameLily of the valley
FamilyAsparagaceae
GenusLily of the valley
SpeciesMajalis
TypeHardy perennial
Botanical nameConvallaria majalis

Convallaria majalis, known in the garden as Lily of the Valley, combines white-toned blooms with a volume that is easy to place in a composition. Among its distinctive details: bell-shaped flowers. The foliage has shades of green, to be highlighted among different textures. The usual flowering period is in April. The clump reaches approximately 20 cm in height and 25 cm in spread; use these dimensions to position the plant in a shaded border.

To plant Lily of the Valley, look for the following exposure: partial shade to full shade and suitable soil (kept moist, Clayey). For Lily of the Valley, regularly check the soil around the root ball: it must remain moist. Water at the base when the surface begins to dry out and adjust the water supply according to rainfall; this exposure (partial shade to full shade) does not eliminate water needs. Keep 25 cm as a general spacing between plants; this helps preserve their shape and access for care. The indicated hardiness zone is zone 2, to be assessed according to your garden's conditions.

Throughout the seasons, Lily of the Valley benefits from timely care: maintain healthy foliage after flowering to allow the plant to continue growing. Keep the crown clear and observe new growth before removing damaged parts. For companion planting, consider tiarella, hostas, and astilbes in varieties with similar needs. The flowering period (April) and the spread of 25 cm will serve as benchmarks for distributing other plants around this one.

Muguet majalis — Convallaria majalis

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Spacing / density 25 cm
Best planting time Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing time for the roots to settle before the severe cold.
Propagation Division of clumps. Sowing does not guarantee the fidelity of a named cultivar.
Growing method
Lily of the valley: Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing the roots to establish before the severe cold. For Lily of the Valley, regularly check the soil around the root ball: it should remain moist. Water at the base when the surface begins to dry and adjust watering according to rainfall; this exposure (partial shade to shade) does not eliminate the need for water. Keep the crown clear and observe new growth before removing damaged parts.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Care level

Regular maintenance

Watering

For lily of the valley, regularly check the soil around the root ball: it should remain moist. Water the base when the surface starts to dry, and adjust watering based on rainfall; this exposure (partial to full shade) does not eliminate its water needs.

Soil type

Kept moist, Clayey

Fertilization

Fertilizer for flowering

Moisture

Regular freshness during growth

Seasonal care

Lily of the Valley: keep the foliage healthy after flowering to allow the plant to continue growing. During its flowering period (April), also check for damaged stems and neighboring plants that could obscure the clump.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

Stable, perforated container, significantly wider than the root ball; size to be adapted to the format sold and adult growth.
To try growing Lily of the Valley in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future spread (25 cm). The substrate must remain moist; it will dry out more quickly than in open ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.
Muguet majalis — Convallaria majalis

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

8 inches (20.5 cm)

Width / spread

10 inches (25.5 cm)

Flower color

White

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Null and void

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

In bloom

Fragrance

Not documented for this selection

Bloom period

April
Muguet majalis — Convallaria majalis

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Associations to consider for Lily of the Valley: foamflowers, hostas, astilbes. Choose varieties that tolerate partial to full shade and comparable moisture; allow each clump its adult space.

Plants to avoid

Around Lily of the Valley, especially avoid neighbors that would cover its leaves or strongly compete with its root ball. Compatibility in terms of light, water, and spread takes precedence over a list of so-called enemy plants.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

Where to plant Lily of the Valley?
Expect partial to full shade and suitable soil (kept moist, clayey). Keep the root collar clear and observe regrowth before removing damaged parts.
Where should we put Lily of the Valley?
Allow for approximately 20 cm in height and 25 cm in width at maturity. Approximately 25 cm between centers, to be adjusted according to the actual development of the clump. This size is suitable for use in a shaded border.
When does lily of the valley bloom?
The indicated period is April. The flower color is white. The exact date and duration depend on the climate, season, and plant establishment.
How to water and care for Lily of the Valley?
For lily of the valley, regularly check the soil around the root ball: it should remain moist. Water at the base when the surface begins to dry out and adjust watering according to rainfall; this exposure (partial shade to shade) does not eliminate the need for water. Keep healthy foliage after flowering to allow the plant to continue its growth.
Can one grow Lily of the Valley in a pot?
To try Lily of the Valley in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (25 cm). The substrate must remain moist; it will dry out faster than in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.