Convallaria majalis, lily of the valley
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Perennials

Convallaria majalis

lily of the valley

AsparagaceaeEurope, Asia

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitSpreading
FoliageDeciduous
Height6–8 inches (15–20 cm)
Width12–24 inches (30–60 cm)
Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Fragrant (strong)
Maintenancelow

Overview

Convallaria majalis, commonly called lily of the valley, is a low-growing rhizomatous perennial forming dense spreading colonies in shaded woodland gardens. Plants produce two or three broad elliptic basal leaves, 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long, with prominent parallel venation and smooth margins, emerging from slender creeping rhizomes called pips. In late spring, arching stems to 8 inches (20 cm) rise between the leaves bearing one-sided racemes of six to twelve pendant, bell-shaped white flowers, each approximately 0.3 inches (8 mm) wide, with an intense, sweet fragrance. Small round berries ripen from green to red-orange in summer and persist into autumn. Native to cool temperate Europe and Asia, the species is widely naturalized across the Pacific Northwest, where it spreads vigorously in moist shaded conditions. All parts of the plant contain approximately 38 cardiac glycosides, making it highly toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and horses if ingested. Lily of the valley is listed as invasive in parts of Oregon and Washington and can displace native understory vegetation; containment measures are advised and planting near natural areas or riparian corridors is discouraged.

Native Range

Native to cool temperate regions of Europe and Asia, from the British Isles and Scandinavia east through central Europe, Russia, and into Japan. A North American variety (var. montana) is recorded in Appalachian mountain woodlands, though its native versus naturalized status is debated. The species is widely naturalized across the Pacific Northwest, northeastern North America, and parts of Australasia, where it persists in disturbed woodland edges, gardens, and moist shaded sites.

Suggested Uses

Lily of the valley is effective as a dense, weed-suppressing groundcover under deciduous trees, along north-facing foundations, and in shaded woodland garden beds where its vigorous spreading habit is an asset rather than a liability. The intensely fragrant cut flowers are prized for posies and wedding arrangements. Plant within buried root barriers when used near lawn edges or garden boundaries to prevent uncontrolled spread.

How to Identify

Lily of the valley is identified by two or three broad elliptic basal leaves, 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long, with entire margins, a smooth glossy surface, and strong parallel venation. In late spring a slender arching stem rises between the leaves bearing a one-sided raceme of six to twelve pendant, bell-shaped white flowers with six reflexed lobes and an intense sweet fragrance. In late summer, small round berries ripen to red-orange on the persistent stem. The spreading rhizomatous colony habit, broad paired leaves, and strongly fragrant pendant bells together distinguish this species from similar woodland groundcovers.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 8"
Width/Spread1' - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Lily of the valley blooms in late spring, typically April through May in Pacific Northwest gardens, with peak flowering in May at low to mid elevations. Flowers open sequentially from the base of the raceme upward over one to two weeks. Bloom is triggered by warming soil temperatures following winter dormancy, and plants in deeper shade may flower one to two weeks later than those receiving dappled light. Fragrance is most pronounced on warm, still days.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White

Foliage Description

Medium to dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Full Shade
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaypeat
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2–3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant lily of the valley pips in autumn or early spring in moist, humus-rich soil with consistent moisture; the species tolerates deep shade but flowers more freely in dappled light receiving two to three hours of indirect sun. Water regularly during Pacific Northwest dry summers and mulch with 2 inches (5 cm) of organic material to retain moisture. Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced organic fertilizer as new growth emerges; avoid high-nitrogen feeds that promote foliage at the expense of flowers. Divide congested clumps every three to four years in early autumn, replanting individual pips at the original depth. All parts are highly toxic — wear gloves when handling and keep away from children and pets. Do not plant near woodland edges, natural areas, or riparian zones where escape may threaten native vegetation.

Pruning

No pruning is required during the growing season. Remove spent flower stems at the base after bloom if desired, though this is not essential for plant health. Allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally through late summer, as leaves continue to photosynthesize and build energy for the following season. Cut back dead foliage to ground level in autumn and top-dress with compost or leaf mould. To divide, lift rhizomes in early autumn, separate individual pips with roots intact, and replant at the same depth in refreshed soil.

Pruning Schedule

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Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans
Convallaria majalis (lily of the valley) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef