Bulbs

Convallaria
lily of the valley

- Height 6-8 in (15-20 cm )
- Planting distance 6 in (15 cm)
- Flowers mid- to late spring
- Good, moist soil
- Shady site
- Rhizomes available mid- and late fall
- Hardy zones 3-9

Convallaria majalis is the only species in this genus. It has delicate white bell-shaped flowers that are arranged in loose spikes. These blooms appear in mid- and late spring and have a magnificent heady scent that makes them popular as cut flowers. The berries that appear in fall and the roots are poisonous. Lily of the valley is best planted in large clumps in a cool, shady corner or in a wild garden; it spreads rapidly, so avoid confined borders or spaces where it can overcome more delicate plants. When you choose the site, bear in mind that the broad green leaves, which provide deceptively good ground cover in late spring and early summer, become an untidy decaying yellow and brown mass toward fall. This problem becomes worse if the plants are growing in a bright, sunny site.

Bulbs