Lily of the Valley

Lily of the Valley  (Convallaria)

Lily of the Valley's (Convallaria) are perennials which can spread rapidly in a shady place and in fertile, humus rich soil. Sometimes they form such thick mats that they need thinning out. Lily of the Valley will grow in less ideal spots as well, even in dryer soil, but then will not a dense mat. On less ideal soils it is good to spread a little compost between the plants in spring. Some varieties of Lily of the Valley have variegated leaves and pinkish flowers. The flowers have a lovely sweet scent and are good for in a vase. After flowering, red berries can appear which are poisonous, as is the whole plant. Good plant partners for Lily of the Valley are Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor), Barrenwort (Epimedium) and Navelwort (Omphalodes).