Growing Convallaria (Lily-of-the-Valley) – Fragrant Groundcover

Convallaria (Lily-of-the-Valley) Care Guide

Pronunciation: kon-va-lair'ee-uh

Delicate pendant flowers line arching stems in mid-spring. White or pink waxy blooms with cherished fragrance; pull gently for long flower spikes for vases. Easy to grow; take a couple years to establish, may not flower first year. Creeping rhizomes spread rapidly, making ideal groundcover even under large trees. Hardy Zones 3–7; struggles in South. Spreads aggressively—contain if needed.

Planting Bareroot Plants

Shipped dormant, kept moist with shredded paper/plastic. Don't remove packing until ready to plant. Can hold 5–7 days cool (above freezing), out of direct sun. Check moisture; add water if dry, pour off excess. Plant each pip (pointed bud) 1 inch below soil level. Spread roots like wheel spokes. Firm soil, water thoroughly. Space pips 6 inches apart.

Light and Watering

Prefers well-drained but moist soil, partial shade. Grows in sun if moisture consistent, but foliage may suffer.

Fertilizer, Soil, and pH

Not particular; best in humus-rich, slightly acidic soil. Feed lightly in spring; mulch with compost or well-rotted manure in early fall.

Pests and Diseases

Generally healthy. Fungal leaf spotting minor—remove affected foliage. Weevils may notch leaves; damage insignificant.

Companions

Deep green ferns showcase white flowers. Small blue/green hostas provide contrast. Anemone pulsatilla, A. sylvestris, smaller bleeding hearts (Dicentra) and columbines (Aquilegia) are lovely counterpoints. Plant at feet of white-flowered shrub like Deutzia gracilis for echo.

Pruning

Leaves may become tattered late season; cut to ground. If left, deciduous leaves turn golden in fall with colorful (inedible) orange berries.

Dividing/Transplanting

Easily divided when dormant in spring or fall. Dig up rhizomes (pips), separate, replant 4 inches apart; fill in quickly. Water well.

End-of-Season Care

Rake fallen foliage, mulch lightly with well-rotted manure or compost. Water thoroughly if dry.

Calendar of Care

Early Spring: Light 10-10-10 or side-dress with compost when new growth appears. Supplement nitrogen during prolonged rain. Water if unseasonably dry. Divide/transplant if desired.

Mid-Spring: Mulch as soil warms. Pick flower stems for fragrance.

Summer: If fungal spotting bothers, cut affected foliage to ground. Water during dry periods.

Fall: Rake foliage, mulch lightly with compost or manure. Divide/transplant now; water well.