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Overview
Convallaria majalis is lily of the valley (May lily), a low spreading deciduous perennial growing 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) tall and 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) wide. White bell-shaped nodding flowers 0.3 inch (8 mm) in a one-sided arching raceme of 5-13 flowers on a leafless stalk in April-May (3 weeks). Strongly fragrant (the classic lily of the valley scent — sweet, green, floral). Medium to dark green broadly elliptic parallel-veined leaves 4-8 inches (10-20 cm), 2-3 per pip. Small orange-red toxic berries in late summer. Turns yellow in fall. In Asparagaceae. Majalis = of May. Native to Europe and Asia. Spreads aggressively by underground rhizomes (pips) — a single pip colonizes a large area within a few years. This aggressive spread is both the primary asset (dense shade ground cover where few other plants grow) and the primary limitation (difficult to contain or eradicate once established). All parts are highly toxic — contains cardiac glycosides (convallatoxin) that affect heart rhythm. Even the water from a vase of cut stems is toxic. Deer-resistant (toxicity). Non-drought-tolerant. Zones 3-8. Part shade to full shade. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Native to Europe and Asia. Found in deciduous forests, meadows, and mountain slopes. Also reported from the Appalachian Mountains of eastern North America (debated — may be a very early introduction).Suggested Uses
Grown as a dense shade ground cover under trees, along foundations, and in areas where aggressive spread is acceptable, spaced 12-24 inches (30-60 cm). Strongly fragrant. Dense shade-tolerant ground cover. Contains or eradicate. All parts highly toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 3-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 8"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Mid to late spring (April-May). White bell-shaped nodding flowers 0.3 inch (8 mm) in one-sided arching racemes of 5-13. Strongly fragrant. 3 weeks. Bee-visited. Orange-red toxic berries follow.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, bell-shaped (campanulate), 0.3 inch (8 mm), nodding, in a one-sided arching raceme of 5-13 flowers on a leafless stalk; strongly fragrant (the classic lily of the valley scent — sweet, green, floral)Foliage Description
Medium to dark green, simple, broadly elliptic, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long, 2-3 per pip (growth point); the parallel-veined leaves emerge rolled in springGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-4 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part shade to full shade (1-4 hours). Moist soil pH 5.5-7.0. Not drought-tolerant. Spreads aggressively by rhizomes — contain or give ample space. All parts highly toxic (cardiac glycosides). Berries toxic. Remove dead foliage in fall (October). Deer-resistant. Zones 3-8.Pruning
Remove dead foliage in fall (October) after it withers. No other pruning needed. Thin or remove unwanted rhizome spread by digging out pips.Pruning Schedule
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