Scientific Name
Convallaria keiskei Miq.
Synonym(s)
Convallaria japonica, Convallaria majalis var. keiskei, Convallaria manschurica
Common Name(s)
Lily of the Valley, Asian Lily of the Valley, Japanese Lily of the Valley
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Nolinoideae
Genus: Convallaria
Origin
Convallaria keiskei is native to Japan, China, and Russia.
Flower
Color: White
Bloom Time: Late spring
Description
Convallaria keiskei is a rhizomatous perennial that forms extensive colonies. It grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. Leaves are broad, green, and up to 10 inches (25 cm) long.
Showy orange berries follow the slightly arching stems of white flowers. Blooming is in late spring.
How to Grow and Care for Convallaria keiskei
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 3a to 7b: from -40°F (-40°C) to 10°F (-12.2°C).
Lily of the Valley is easy to grow despite its temperamental reputation if you buy it ready potted in spring. However, dried crowns take ages to get going, do not always survive, and may also prove difficult to establish if supplied in chunks by friends. In both cases, pot up the crowns separately in loam-based compost, water well, and allow them to establish for a year before planting out. (You can do the same in midwinter, forcing the crowns for an early show indoors.)
At planting time, work in some humus, good garden compost, or, even better, leafmould. Spread out any underground stems and cover with just a couple of inches of the planting mixture. Mulch well with leafmould. If flowering is poor, an occasional dose of high-potash organic liquid feed may help.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Lily of the Valley.
Links
- Back to genus Convallaria
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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