Overview
Convallaria majalis is a perennial in the genus Convallaria, part of the Q157167 family. It typically grows around 0.2 m tall. Convallaria majalis grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover and woodland garden. It is native to Europe to Caucasus.
About
Convallaria majalis is a herbaceous perennial known for a low habit and a strong floral scent from its spring flowers. It reaches about 0.2 m and is used as a spreading ground cover in shady situations. Flowering occurs in April to May and the blooms are highly fragrant. All parts are toxic if eaten, so wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling and keep away from pets.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lily of the valley
About the genus
Convallaria is a genus of flowering plants, commonly known as lily-of-the-valley. It includes three species native to temperate Eurasia and the east-central United States.
Wikipedia contributors, "Convallaria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Convallaria
In the garden
Convallaria majalis is a spring-flowering perennial native to Europe to the Caucasus, grown for its scented flowers and low, spreading habit. It typically reaches around 0.2 m and flowers in April to May, making it a useful early-season ground cover for shady parts of the garden. Plant where light levels suit the site: it tolerates full sun to full shade, so will thrive beneath trees or in deeply shaded borders provided soil remains suitable. It adapts to sandy, loamy or clay soils and prefers moist to wet conditions but will also grow in well-drained ground; in practice it performs best where soil does not dry out completely. It is fully hardy in UK gardens (H7), so plants can be left in place through winter. Use Convallaria majalis as a ground cover or in woodland garden schemes where its low height and scented spring flowers can be appreciated close to paths or seating. Be aware it is toxic if eaten and is toxic to pets; wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling and consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further advice. The combination of low stature and a concentrated floral scent makes its April to May display particularly effective when planted beside walkways.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Convallaria
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained, Wet
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Convallaria majalis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 0.2 m
- Suggested uses
- Groundcover, Woodland garden
- Native to
- Europe to Caucasus
- Fragrance
- Flower
- Toxicity
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Convallaria majalis
- Cultivation
- Prefers cool, shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil. Avoid dry or waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Remove dead or yellowing leaves after flowering to maintain appearance.
- Propagation
- Division of rhizomes in autumn or early spring.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Convallaria majalis?
Prefers cool, shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil. Avoid dry or waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Convallaria majalis?
Convallaria majalis prefers full sun and full shade.
What soil does Convallaria majalis need?
Convallaria majalis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained to wet.
How do I prune Convallaria majalis?
Remove dead or yellowing leaves after flowering to maintain appearance.
How big does Convallaria majalis grow?
Convallaria majalis reaches a height of 0.2 m.
Is Convallaria majalis hardy in the UK?
Convallaria majalis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Convallaria majalis?
Division of rhizomes in autumn or early spring.
Is Convallaria majalis toxic?
TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers.
More in the Convallaria genus
- Convallaria majalis 'Berlin Giant'
- Convallaria majalis 'Flore Pleno' (d)
- Convallaria majalis 'Fortin's Giant'Lily-of-the-valley
- Convallaria majalis 'Hardwick Hall'Lily-of-the-valley
- Convallaria majalis 'Prolificans'lily of the valley 'Prolificans'
- Convallaria majalis 'Rosea'rosy lily of the valley
- Convallaria majalis 'Variegata' or 'Lineata'Variegated Lily-of-the-valley