Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis)
Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is a perennial plant that can grow 10cm – 50cm tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis).
This plant has several common names including: lily of the valley, May lily, Our Lady’s tears, lady’s tears, conval lily, liriconfancy, May bells, mayflower, mugget or word lily.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: lily of the valley, May lily, Our Lady’s tears, lady’s tears, conval lily, liriconfancy, May bells, mayflower, mugget, word lily
Scientific name: Convallaria majalis
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Mat forming
Height: 10cm – 50cm
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full shade, Partial shade
Soil: Clay, Loam
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Poorly drained
Garden type: Informal Garden
Planting type: Ground Cover, Low Maintenance
Other characteristics: RHS Award of Garden Merit
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) – Bartosz Cuber, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Perennial plants are one of the largest groups of plants.
They offer color, shape, fragrance and seasonal textures. The variety is such that there are plants to suit all sizes and styles of garden.
Traditionally, perennials are grown in borders, using a wall or hedge as a backdrop to bring out all their splendor during summer.
But since most gardens are not large enough for long borders dedicated exclusively to perennials, they are usually planted in mixed borders and beds, along with shrubs, annuals, biennials, and bulbs that extend the season of interest.
Other types of Convallaria to consider:
See all Convallaria
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is a plant that prefers to grow in clay or loam.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Convallaria majalis likes to grow in moist but well drained or humid or poorly drained soils.
Sunlight
Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is a plant that should be grown in shade or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) – Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
