Convallaria majalis
Lily of the valley, Our lady's tears, May lily, Conval lily, Mayflower, Ladder to heaven
- Height × spread
- 0.15m – 0.3m × 0.3m – 1m
- Position
- All conditions
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The much loved lily of the valley which delights with its little clusters of bell flowers that carry an exquisite fragrance. The flowers come with tall smooth, almost fleshy leaves. They flower from spring to early summer. There are a number of cultivars available and these include several forms that have variegated foliage - forms with yellow and cream variegation exist. This is useful in partially shaded sites where there is plenty of moisture. It can become invasive if really well suited.
- Flower colour
- Pink, Purple, White
- Foliage colour
- Green, Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 0.15m – 0.3m
- Spread
- 0.3m – 1m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Shady court, Scented garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- All conditions
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Rabbit resistant
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, some poisonous
AutumnNow
Autumn · Outdoors
Apply mulch
Use bark chips or leaf mould to add an organic mulch around the crown of the plant.
A mulch is a covering that can: protect the soil surface from rain, heat and cold; deter weeds; provide nutrients. Organic indicates that material has vegetative origin e.g. manure, compost. Synthetics i.e. plastics, or stones are often called mulches.
Autumn · Planting
Divide and keep soil moist
Divide the plant in autumn and replant it, throwing away any weak or damaged segments of the plant. Keep the soil moist until the plant has fully recovered.
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Found in
More Convallaria
Convallaria majalis
Lily of the valley, Our lady's tears, May lily, Conval lily, Mayflower, Ladder to heaven
Convallaria majalis 'Albostriata'
Lily of the valley, Our lady's tears, May lily, Conval lily, Mayflower, Ladder to heaven
Convallaria majalis 'Mary Brooks'
Golden leaved lily of the valley
Convallaria majalis 'Vic Pawlowskis Gold'
Lily of the valley, Our lady's tears, May lily, Conval lily, Mayflower, Ladder to heaven
Convallaria majalis var. rosea
Lily of the valley, Our lady's tears, May lily, Conval lily, Mayflower, Ladder to heaven
Convallaria majalis 'Fortins Giant'
Lily of the valley, Our lady's tears, May lily, Conval lily, Mayflower, Ladder to heaven