Overview
Convallaria majalis 'Prolificans' is a perennial in the genus Convallaria, part of the Q157167 family. It typically grows around 0.2 m tall. Convallaria majalis 'Prolificans' grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7.
About
Convallaria majalis 'Prolificans' is a perennial ground cover that produces pendent, scented clusters of white, bell-shaped flowers in April to May. Plants stay low to the ground, reaching about 0.2 m high, and spread by underground stems to form colonies. It tolerates a wide range of light from full sun to full shade and suits soils from sandy to clay provided they remain at least moist. All parts are toxic if eaten; wear gloves when handling and follow HTA guidance on plants harmful to 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 'Prolificans' is a spring-flowering perennial originally established across temperate regions and often grown where a low, scented spring display is required. It flowers in April to May with pendent white, bell-like blooms that carry a clear floral scent. The cultivar spreads by rhizomes and will naturalise into small colonies over time. Grow it in anything from full sun to full shade; it is unusually tolerant of deep shade compared with many spring bulbs. Soils may be sandy, loamy or clay and should be at least moist to wet in winter while still draining sufficiently in summer. Classified H7 in UK hardiness terms (fully hardy) and rated USDA zones 2–7, it will survive severe winters and return reliably each spring when left undisturbed. Use Convallaria majalis 'Prolificans' as a low ground cover under deciduous shrubs and trees, in shaded borders or alongside paths where spring scent and compact habit are wanted. Avoid planting where children or pets might ingest foliage or fruit, and wear gloves when dividing or moving established clumps.
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 'Prolificans' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 0.2 m
- 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
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Convallaria majalis 'Prolificans'?
Convallaria majalis 'Prolificans' prefers full sun and full shade.
What soil does Convallaria majalis 'Prolificans' need?
Convallaria majalis 'Prolificans' 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 big does Convallaria majalis 'Prolificans' grow?
Convallaria majalis 'Prolificans' reaches a height of 0.2 m.
Is Convallaria majalis 'Prolificans' hardy in the UK?
Convallaria majalis 'Prolificans' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
Is Convallaria majalis 'Prolificans' 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 majalislily of the valley
- 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 'Rosea'rosy lily of the valley
- Convallaria majalis 'Variegata' or 'Lineata'Variegated Lily-of-the-valley