Growing Lily of the Valley in Georgia: It's Possible, But Picky

You remember vast, fragrant patches of Lily of the Valley from Ohio. Can you recreate that in Atlanta? Yes—but it's an uphill battle. This plant (Convallaria majalis) hates our summer heat.

Give It What It Needs

• Bright shade all day, or only morning sun (no afternoon sun).
• Rich, well-drained soil. Amend with 3 inches of soil conditioner mixed 10 inches deep.
• Plant "pips" (fleshy roots) in spring when available at garden centers or from bulb catalogs.

Real Talk

Even with perfect conditions, it may struggle. I've planted and lost it twice. But I've also seen a yard in Atlanta covered in it every spring. If you're willing to baby it, try. If you want low-maintenance groundcover, look elsewhere.