Lily of the valley
Convallaria majalis · Asparagaceae
📷 Ivar Leidus · CC BY-SA 4.0
⚠️ Chiens et chats : toute partie toxique, glycosides cardiactifs causent arythmies graves et choc. Enfants : même danger par ingestion, symptômes cardiovasculaires.
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant lily of the valley: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- April to May
- Adult size
- 25 to 30 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20°C)
- Origin
- Europe, temperate Asia
- Soil type
- Rich, moist and well-drained
- Toxicity
- Toxic to domestic animals
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Convallaria majalis thrives in shade with humus-rich soil. A mulch of dead leaves (3-5 cm) each autumn revitalizes it and boosts flowering.
The common mistake
Don't replant or disturb it: it takes years to establish properly.
The pro's trick
Divide the rhizomes in autumn (September-October) if you want to propagate.
Care
Light exposure
Lily of the valley prefers shade or partial shade, making it an ideal plant for shaded areas of your garden. It also tolerates semi-sunny spots in cool climates. Avoid direct full sun in warm regions, which can dry out the foliage.
Watering
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing period (April-May). Regular watering after planting helps with root establishment. During dry periods, increase watering frequency without creating water stagnation.
Soil and planting
Enrich the soil with organic matter (potting soil, compost) before planting. Lily of the valley enjoys slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soils. Plant the rhizomes in autumn or early spring, spaced 15 to 20 cm apart.
Fertilizing
An annual application of well-decomposed compost in spring is usually sufficient. A balanced fertilizer diluted in spring can stimulate flowering, but lily of the valley is undemanding.
Pruning and cleanup
No pruning is necessary. Simply remove spent flowers and dry foliage in late autumn to tidy up the area.
Diseases and pests
Lily of the valley is generally robust and rarely affected by diseases. In cases of excess moisture, rot may appear: improve drainage. Watch for aphids during the flowering phase, which can be treated with a water spray or natural insecticide.
Did you know?
Lily of the valley has long been a symbol of happiness and purity in Europe. In France, the May Day tradition continues: giving lily of the valley brings good luck and was once an unmistakable gallant gesture. In the Middle Ages, it was attributed magical properties and was planted near homes to ward off evil.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.