Lily of the Valley – a Plant Profile

In late April, early May, two large lance-shaped leaves forge up from the earth, together with an arching flower stem bearing a chain of small pendent white bells. The sight and fragrance of these small blooms have delighted poets and gardeners for centuries.

History and Traditions

Lily of the Valley has been in cultivation for over 500 years and is an old spring favourite. Though a little out of favour now it was at one time widely used in bridal bouquets and is supposed to bring luck and herald new life.

In France there has grown up a tradition of exchanging a small sprig of Muguet-du-Bois (Lily of the Valley) on the 1st of May, a tradition that is believed to have been begun by Charles IX in 1561 after he was given a small bouquet as a symbol of good luck and Spring time. He was so delighted that he in turn ordered several bouquets to be made up, one for each Lady in his Court. From there the tradition has grown nationally so that on the May Day Bank Holiday in France the giving and exchanging of sprigs of Lily of the Valley is commonplace.

Cultivation

In the garden it is very useful as a ground cover plant in shady areas, at the foot of bushes and trees, areas often problematic for gardeners. The bright glossy green leaves illuminate the dark undergrowth of shady corners beautifully. The green stems usually reach between 15 to 30 cm tall and each arching raceme carries around 12 white flower bells. The flowers are followed by an autumn fruit that takes the form of a small orange red berry.

Varieties

There is only one species Convallaria Majalis of which there are several forms – pale rose pink, double headed flowers and variegated foliage. But nothing beats the simplicity of the pure white blooms and ribbed green leaf. For gardeners wanting larger blooms – try Fortins Giant or Everest.

Planting

Plant anytime between October and March for flowering period April – May. Prepare the soil with a quantity of leaf mould and compost then leave to settle for about 15 days. Plant the rhizome at a depth of 5cm in moisture retentive soil. It can tolerate some sunshine but thrives best in partial shade.

Propagation

Lily of the Valley spreads by means of branching rhizomes. These in turn produce small upright shoots known as ‘pips’. Divide the clumps in September but be sure to replant the rhizomes at once

Note: Lily of the Valley is very invasive – just think of the way they can beautifully carpet a woodland. But in the garden it is probably best to fence them in by means of a sunken slate or tile to keep the rhizomes within suitable boundaries