Convallaria majalis 'Lily of the Valley'

Overview

Convallaria majalis 'Lily of the Valley': The Enchanting Scent of Spring

Convallaria majalis, more affectionately known as Lily of the Valley, is a timeless and nostalgic woodland treasure, world-renowned for its exquisite, bell-shaped flowers and its unrivalled, intoxicating fragrance. Each slender, arching stem carries a series of nodding, waxy white blooms that seem to glow against the backdrop of broad, emerald-green architectural leaves. This versatile groundcover thrives in those difficult, shaded spots where other plants struggle, quickly forming a lush, carpet-like colony of greenery. Whether it is used as a symbol of luck and happiness in a bridal bouquet or as a graceful, fragrant edge for a woodland path, Lily of the Valley is the ultimate icon of sophisticated, understated elegance.

Key Features

• Intoxicating Natural Perfume: The scent is legendary—a fresh, sweet, and unmistakable fragrance that can fill an entire garden or room. It is a staple in high-end perfumery and a delight to encounter on a spring breeze.
• Shade-Loving Groundcover: This is the "gold standard" for north-facing gardens or the dappled shade beneath trees and shrubs. Once established, it spreads via underground rhizomes to create a dense, weed-suppressing mat of beautiful foliage.
• Delicate "Bell" Blooms: The tiny, porcelain-white bells are a masterpiece of nature’s design. They appear in late spring, offering a crisp, clean aesthetic that marks the transition from spring to summer.
• The Florist's Secret: Despite their delicate appearance, the stems are surprisingly sturdy. They are highly prized as a luxury cut flower, providing a "boutique" feel to small posies and bud vases.

Gardener's Tip

Lily of the Valley "pips" (rhizomes) may look like simple, dormant sticks when they arrive, but they are full of potential. To ensure they establish quickly, soak the pips in lukewarm water for about 30 minutes before planting to rehydrate the roots. When planting, leave the very tip of the "pip" (the growing point) just poking out above the soil surface. They love a rich, leaf-mould soil, so adding a little organic matter to the planting hole will help them feel right at home and encourage them to spread faster.

Specifications