C O N V A L L A R IA
L ily-of-th e-valley
LILY-O F -TH E-VA LLE Y makes a vivid display because of the strong contrast between the shapely, oval leaves, and the small, bright white flowers. It
can be left to naturalise in woodland conditions, or allowed to spread through a shady border. Though invasive, it is quite easily controlled.
FEATU RES
Lily-of-the-valley is a one species (sometimes
considered three) genus, featuring the bell
shaped, fragrant Convallaria majalis. A native
of Europe, it grows in woods and meadows,
SU/V,
and produces 20cm (8in) tall stem s o f nodding
w hite flowers shortly after the foliage has
HERBACEOUS
unfurled. G iven the rig h t conditions, namely a
cool, m oist area, it can spread extrem ely
quickly by means of underground shoots, b u t
it is easily controlled. T here are several
attractive forms, A lbostriata' having cream
striped foliage, and 'F o rtin s G ia n t flowers up
to 15m m (/2in) across. Lily-of-the-valley is
essential in a w oodland area, or in a dam p
shady spot where little else of note w ill grow.
T H E C O M P L E T E B O O K OF G A R D E N F L O W E R S
C O N D IT IO N S
Aspect Shade is essential.
Site The soil m u st be dam p, rich and leafy. For an
im pressive, vigorous display, apply a thick
m ulch of leaf m ould around the clum ps of
plants every autum n.
GROW ING M E T H O D
Propagation W hen the seed is ripe remove the fleshy
covering, and raise in a cold frame.
A lternatively, divide the rhizom es in the
autum n. A 15cm (6in) piece w ill provide
approxim ately six new plants. The success rate
is generally high. Make sure th a t young plants
are not allowed to dry out. M ulch them to
guarantee against m oisture loss.
Feeding Every other year apply a scattering of com plete
fertiliser in the spring.
Problems Botrytis can be a problem , b u t is rarely
anything to w orry about.
F L O W E R IN G
Season O ne b rief display in late spring.
Cutting Lily-of-the-valley makes excellent cut flowers,
providing a strik in g spring display, while
e m ittin g a g entle sweet scent. They can also be
lifted and grow n indoors in a p o t to flower the
follow ing spring. W h en finished, replace in
the garden.
A F T E R F L O W E R IN G
Requirements Remove the spent flower stem s, b u t leave the
foliage in tact to provide the energy for next
years display.
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