Lily of the Valley, also known as May Bells, Mary’s Tears, and Our Lady’s Tears, is a woodland plant with attractive green foliage and tiny, bell-shaped, white or pink flowers. It grows vigorously in almost any spot with some shade, and gardeners often use it under trees where many other plants won’t grow due to the shade. Plant the rhizomes about six inches apart with the growth buds buried about 1/2 inch deep. The plant needs full shade to partial sun, but can tolerate morning sun but definitely needs a location where it is protected from the stronger midday and afternoon sun.
Lily of the Valley thrives in partial shade, but can also be adapted to full sun or full shade, depending on the amount of moisture it receives. It is ideal for shady areas and heavy clay, tending to form extensive colonies by spreading underground rhizomes. It is long-lived, tough, and reliable, often used in shade gardens as a lush groundcover. Lily of the Valley relishes well-drained but moist soil and does best in partial shade but can also be adapted to full sun or full shade, depending on the amount of moisture it receives.
Lily of the Valley blooms best in partial shade, but the plants will also grow in full shade, but may not produce as many flowers. The key need of Lily of the Valley is a moist but not waterlogged soil, which is why they do best in partial shade. Don’t let them dry out, as they are poisonous.
In summary, Lily of the Valley is a versatile and hardy plant that thrives in partial sun or full shade, but requires protection from the sun throughout the majority of its growth. It thrives in moist, shaded spots and can be adapted to full sun or full shade depending on the amount of moisture it receives.
📹 How to Plant and Care for Lily of the Valley
Plant lily-of-the-valley in full sun or part shade in well-drained soil. Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the planting hole.
How often should I water the lily of the valley?
Lily of the Valley is a tough plant that can grow in various soils and climates. It requires weekly watering for the first 4-6 weeks after planting. The roots need moisture, but once established, they are drought-tolerant. Lily of the Valley’s foliage stays green in warmer zones, and deer rarely bother the plants or flowers. It is easy to care for, as it requires zero maintenance. To grow Lily of the Valley, soak roots in cool water for an hour before planting and water them weekly for the first 4-6 weeks.
Where is the best place to plant lily of the valley?
Lily of the valley is a low-spreading plant that thrives in moist, shaded areas and forms dense clumps of lush green foliage. To grow it, plant crowns in pots in March and grow indoors before planting out. By mid-May, they’ll be developed enough to plant in borders, increasing the likelihood of flowers in the same year. Rooted crowns are available, and they can be soaked in water for half an hour before planting in individual pots. Follow the step-by-step guide to planting lily of the valley.
Do lily of the valley come back every year?
Lily of the valley is a hardy plant that can survive subzero winters to zone 3, but not in dry, hot climates above zone 9. It can die back in moderately hot summers, but returns the next spring. Fertilizer is optional but recommended, but a thin layer of compost is recommended for organic matter. Lily of the valley typically doesn’t need any fertilizer unless planted in poor soil, which requires a slow-release granular fertilizer. Pruning isn’t required, but leaving dead foliage in place after winter serves as a natural mulch, preserving soil moisture and suppressing weeds.
What do I do with Lily of the Valley after flowering?
After lilies have flowered, cut off the flower heads and allow the foliage to die back naturally. Avoid cutting the stem back until it becomes hollow and brown, as this will feed the bulb for next year’s flowering. Leave the bulbs in the ground or pots, as they prefer a cold dormant phase during winter. Ensure they have plenty of drainage to prevent waterlogging and rot. Tilt the pots or place them under shelter to prevent waterlogging. After a few years, divide the bulbs and replant them all.
Is it OK to touch Lily of the Valley?
Lily of the Valley, a flower with a high concentration of poisonous compounds, is primarily poisonous in its roots. Ingestion of the berries by children is a common cause of poisoning. Ingesting the plant can cause dermatological irritation, dermatitis, and cardiac damage. The poison’s effects can be observed in the entire body, including the heart, which demonstrates a reduction in both the speed and force of its pumping action.
Can lily of the valley be grown in pots?
Lily of the Valley can be grown in pots using a deep container with high-quality potting soil, trimmed to a few centimetres, and covered with soil. Plant the rhizome 3 to 6 cm apart and cover the buds with soil. Place the pots in indirect sunlight and keep them indoors until early spring before moving them outside. Common Lily of the Valley diseases can be addressed with fungicides or foliar nematodes, which can destroy the plant.
Southern Blight causes tan ball structures near the soil base, while Anthracnose and Aureobasidium cause water-soaked spots that scale up to reddish brown spots. Rust causes small yellow spots on the leaves and brown spore masses on the undersides. Foliar nematodes turn the veins brown and yellow, requiring the plant to be destroyed.
Do lily of the valley multiply?
Lily of the valley can be propagated using rhizomes, which can rapidly multiply and form large white blossom carpets within a few years. To plant new plants in a different location, dig up the “mother plant” in June or July, remove excess soil, cut off root pieces, and plant them individually. The flowers on rhizomes start forming in the second year. Alternatively, divide the lily of the valley in autumn and start them in a pot on the windowsill, allowing them to bloom in winter before planting them out.
What are the disadvantages of lily of the valley?
Lily of the Valley, a popular garden plant, is highly toxic and can cause serious illness or death if eaten. It can cause heart problems, stomach pain, vomiting, confusion, and vision issues. The berries are particularly dangerous to children. Contact with the plant can also cause skin irritation. If eaten, it’s crucial to see a doctor immediately. Treatment may include activated charcoal or medications. Although poisoning is serious, it’s usually treatable with proper care.
Is it OK to touch lily of the valley?
Lily of the Valley, a flower with a high concentration of poisonous compounds, is primarily poisonous in its roots. Ingestion of the berries by children is a common cause of poisoning. Ingesting the plant can cause dermatological irritation, dermatitis, and cardiac damage. The poison’s effects can be observed in the entire body, including the heart, which demonstrates a reduction in both the speed and force of its pumping action.
What do I do with lily of the valley after flowering?
After lilies have flowered, cut off the flower heads and allow the foliage to die back naturally. Avoid cutting the stem back until it becomes hollow and brown, as this will feed the bulb for next year’s flowering. Leave the bulbs in the ground or pots, as they prefer a cold dormant phase during winter. Ensure they have plenty of drainage to prevent waterlogging and rot. Tilt the pots or place them under shelter to prevent waterlogging. After a few years, divide the bulbs and replant them all.
Why is my lily of the valley dying?
Lily of the Valley plants can turn black or brown due to temperature and environmental factors. They are more susceptible to browning in areas with prolonged summer heat waves. To prevent this, plants should be well-watered and check for signs of anthracnose, which can cause brown spots or irregular shapes. If anthracnose is present, a fungicide should be applied to both sides of the foliage. Lily of the Valley can cause skin irritation, so gloves and handwashing are recommended. Consumption can cause blurred vision, decreased heart rate, nausea, and vomiting.
📹 Lily of the Valley – how to grow/convallaria majalis/toxic/invasive plant
This tiny little beauty! These flowers have got to be some of the most FRAGRANT flowers for their size. The entire plant is very …
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