Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
I have three huge patches of Lily of the Valley growing where I planted them… and almost as many more plants spreading out into areas where they should not be. Many have spread out into the stone path around the flower gardens and will have to be moved, although I know from past experience that if I accidentally leave even small portions of roots, there will be even more Lily of the Valley plants in the path next year.
Bloom time for these plants is early spring, and they are currently in full bloom here… the sweet scent of the flowers is almost overwhelming. The little bell-shaped flowers are beautiful, though… especially with so many of them all grouped together.
Lily of the Valley likes deeply-dug soil that is rich and full of compost. They grow best for me in shade or part shade and in somewhat moist soil. Lily of the Valley is an herbaceous perennial… the rhizomes spread underground and form colonies. Each flowering stem has two leaves and up to fifteen flowers.
Caution: All parts of this plant are highly poisonous if ingested.
Written by Shirley | Filed Under Wildflowers
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Comments
Comment by Eva T.:
Absolutely lovely photo! Just another reason why I keep coming back to this site.
Comment by Stephanie:
We have a huge patch that grow every spring in a walkway towards our neighbors. I LOVE Lily of the Valley’s, they are my favorite flower…doesn’t hurt that they are also the flower for the month of May, the month I was born. But I learned that long after I fell in love with them as a little girl.
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