Convallaria
| When to Plant: | |
| Spring |
| Blooms: | |
| Mid Spring |
| Light Requirements: | |
| Partial Shade to Full Shade |
| Plant Height: | ||
| 6-8" | ||
| Hardiness Zones: | |
| Grow as Perennial in zones 2-8. Grow as Annual elsewhere. Find Your Zone |
| Planting Depth: | |
| 2-3" |
| Plant Spacing: | |
| 4-6" |
| Plant Type: | |
| Bare Root |
Lily of the Valley bears dainty, white flowers with a strong, sweet perfume in spring. Bell-like blooms hang from semi-pendulous, arching stems with lance-like foliage. It can be an aggressive, but not invasive, groundcover given the right light conditions and rich, moist soil.
These plants have been around since 1000 B.C. and are often found near old foundations, where they proved more durable than the houses.
Plant Lily of the Valley outdoors in spring after all danger of frost has passed in a partially shaded location.
The ideal soil is rich and porous and drains well, yet still holds enough water for the roots. If your soil is heavy clay and drains slowly, or very sandy and does not hold water, add organic soil amendments like peat moss or ground bark. Spread a 3-4 inch layer of soil amendment if needed and incorporate into the soil to a depth of 10 inches.
Carefully remove rubberband and gently separate roots. Plant roots 2-3" deep and 4-6" apart. Cover with soil. Water thoroughly at planting. While actively growing, water frequently and thoroughly so that water will reach roots. Mulch to keep the soil cool and to prevent the soil from drying out.
Fertilize during growing period.
