Lily of the Valley: Sweet-Scented Bells for Winter Forcing

Botanical Name: Convallaria majalis

Don't wait for spring to enjoy lily of the valley's intoxicating fragrance. These rhizomatous perennials are surprisingly easy to force into bloom indoors in mid-winter. Their nodding white bells rise between pairs of broad, pointed leaves, followed by decorative red berries. But don't let the delicate look fool you — this is a vigorous spreader that needs dividing or repotting yearly.

How to Force Repeat Blooms

1. After flowering: Keep soil lightly moist, give indirect light until foliage yellows and withers (late summer/fall).
2. Dormancy: Cut back foliage with clean pruners (don't pull). Store the dormant rhizomes in a cool, dark spot, watering just enough to prevent total desiccation.
3. Restart: In winter or spring, divide rhizomes and pot 5–6 horizontally, root-side down, barely covered with fresh soil. Place in a warm, bright spot (no direct sun), keep lightly moist. Blooms appear in 6–8 weeks.

Quick Reference: Lily of the Valley Care

• Origin: European and Asian woodlands
• Height: Up to 10 in (25 cm)
• Light: Low to bright indirect light
• Water: Evenly moist, not soggy. Established plants tolerate drier soil.
• Humidity: Average room humidity
• Temperature: Cool to average 60–70°F (16–21°C); hardy to USDA Zone 2 outdoors
• Soil: Well-draining peat-based mix
• Fertilizer: Balanced liquid monthly (diluted by half) during growth only; none during dormancy
• Propagation: Divide creeping rhizomes when crowded. Indoor plants rarely set seed.

⚠ Caution: All parts of lily of the valley are highly poisonous to people and pets.