Scientific Name
Convallaria majalis L.
Common Name(s)
Lily of the Valley, American Lily of the Valley, European Lily of the Valley, Our Lady's Tears, Mary's Tears, May Lily, May Bells
Synonym(s)
Convallaria latifolia, Convallaria linnaei, Convallaria mappii, Convallaria transcaucasica, Lilium-convallium majale, Polygonatum majale
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Nolinoideae
Genus: Convallaria
Flower
Color: White
Bloom Time: Late spring
Description
Convallaria majalis is a rhizomatous perennial that can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall, forming extensive colonies. The stem grows with 1 or 2 leaves measuring up to 10 inches (25 cm) long.
The flowering stems have two leaves and a raceme of 5 to 15 flowers on the stem apex. The sweetly scented flowers are white (rarely pink), bell-shaped, measure up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter and appear in late spring. The fruits are small, orange-red berries that can reach up to 0.28 inches (7 mm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 4a to 8b: from −30 °F (−34.4 °C) to 20 °F (−6.7 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Despite its temperamental reputation, Lily of the Valley is easy to grow if you buy it ready-potted in spring. Dried crowns take ages to get going and do not always survive, and it may also prove difficult to establish chunks supplied by friends. In both cases, pot up the crowns separately in a loam-based compost water well and allow them to be established 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 leaf mold. If you find that 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.
Origin
Convallaria majalis is native throughout the cool temperate Northern Hemisphere in Asia, Europe, and the southern Appalachian Mountains in the United States.
Varieties and Cultivars
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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