This article provides a comprehensive guide on growing the Lily of the Valley in New Jersey, covering various aspects of cultivation such as planting time, sunlight needs, soil type, watering frequency, fertilization, propagation, pest and disease management, and more. The Lily of the Valley is a woodland plant known for its fragrant white, bell-shaped flowers and unforgettable perfume. It thrives in zones 3 through 7, but labor may be required.
Lily of the Valley is native to temperate regions of Asia, Europe, and North America and is hardy in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It can grow anywhere and spread like spilled milk in sun or shade. The plant is extremely tough and can grow in almost any type of soil or climate. The roots love moisture, but once the plants are established, they can tolerate both cold (zone 3) and heat (zone 9).
The Lily of the Valley is an invasive species in the U.S., spreading readily through roots and pips and taking quite an effort to remove. To ensure successful growth, it is essential to have proper drainage, as the bulbs cannot tolerate constantly wet soil and will rot. While the Lily of the Valley was popular in sainted Nana Gallucci’s New Jersey garden, it is not suitable for this area.
In summary, the Lily of the Valley is a popular choice for early spring landscapes and is known for its fragrant white, bell-shaped flowers and fragrant fragrance. It is a hardy perennial plant that thrives in zones 3 through 7 and can be grown in a limited range in the mid-Atlantic.
📹 Lilies of the Valley in New Jersey Botanical Garden, April 27, 2024
Lilies of the Valley in New Jersey Botanical Garden, April 27, 2024.
Why won’t my Lily of the Valley grow?
Lily-of-the-Valley plants can indicate drought stress by drooping leaves and lack of new growth. To prevent this, use tap water, but consider rainwater or filtered water if hard or heavily chlorinated. Balancing watering rhythms is essential, as it’s like hitting the perfect stride in a run. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and your plant will appreciate more blooms. Stay ahead of the game and consider using rainwater or filtered water for optimal results.
Can you 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.
Is Lily of the Valley invasive in NJ?
Lily of the Valley is a plant listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States, which has contributed to the decline of 42 endangered and threatened species and 18 threatened species. Invasive species compete with native species for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space, causing displacement, habitat degradation, and soil erosion. The federal government estimates that 25% of North American plant species are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss. Planting native plants can help reverse this trend.
When to plant lily bulbs in NJ?
Lily bulbs are best planted in fall, as they are freshly dug and stored under controlled conditions. They add a beautiful touch to summer gardens with trumpet-shaped flowers, with the first blooming being regale lilies in late June. The Asiatics, tigers, and Oriental types bloom in mid to late August. Some lilies have strong scents that are too strong for indoor bouquets, but are preferred in gardens.
To ensure success, lilies should be planted on a slight slope or in raised beds, as they cannot tolerate constantly wet soil and will rot. Overall, lily bulbs are a versatile and rewarding addition to any garden.
How late can you plant bulbs in NJ?
Spring flowering bulbs should be planted in mid-September through October when the soil temperature falls below 60°F, allowing the root system to develop before the ground freezes. Planting depth should be two to three times the bulb’s height, with larger bulbs like tulips or daffodils planting about eight inches deep and eight inches apart. Smaller bulbs like crocus and anemones should be planted three to four inches deep and three to four inches apart.
Planting should be done with the bulb’s point upward and the root plate downward. The best method is to dig and loosen the entire bed to the proper depth, press the bulbs into the soil, and cover with soil. This method is preferred over planting bulbs one-by-one with bulb planters, as they may not work well in compacted or rocky soil.
Can lilies be left in the ground over winter?
Lilies can handle below-freezing temperatures in the garden, but those in colder regions may need winter protection. To protect them, add a thick layer of mulch or dig up bulbs in fall before the ground freezes. Lift and store lily bulbs for replanting in the spring by using a spade or garden fork, brushing excess soil off the roots, placing them on a newspaper or cardboard layer, checking for mold, discarding unhealthy bulbs, and storing them in peat moss or sawdust in a cardboard box.
Some gardeners dust bulbs with fungicides like garden sulfur to prevent mold or rot during storage. Replant the bulbs in spring once the ground has thawed. Potted lilies are more susceptible to colder temperatures but can be moved to a dry, protected area away from frost and cold temperatures. Regularly check soil moisture and water the soil lightly if the bulbs start to dry out.
Is lily of the valley hard to grow?
The Lily of the Valley is a relatively simple and straightforward plant to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance. The foliage of the plant remains green throughout the growing season, particularly when cultivated in environments with partial to full shade. Additionally, the flowers typically fade within a short period after blooming, reducing the necessity for deadheading.
Is it safe 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 I touch 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 pick lily of the valley?
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a woodland flowering plant known for its sweetly scented, bell-shaped flowers and attractive foliage. It is widely grown in shade gardens and is a popular ingredient in perfumes and cosmetics. The plant holds significant global significance, being Finland’s national flower and the floral emblem of Yugoslavia. Lily of the Valley is a low-growing rhizomatous perennial, 6-12 inches tall, that comes back year after year in spring.
It displays up to 15 sweetly scented, nodding, bell-shaped flowers, white or pink, hanging along slightly arching stems. Small orange-red berries follow them. The blossoms rise above the handsome foliage of paired fluted green leaves.
Lily of the Valley is cold hardy, living for decades in cool climates. It is trouble-free, requires little maintenance, and is deer and rabbit resistant. However, it contains cardiac glycosides, which are highly toxic if consumed by humans or animals. The plant is native throughout the cool temperate Northern Hemisphere in Asia and Europe, but has escaped cultivation and naturalized throughout much of temperate eastern and central North America and parts of the Northwestern U. S. Where well adapted, it can become invasive.
Where do Lily of the Valley grow in America?
The Lily of the Valley is a wildflower native to the Southern Appalachians, found in mountain forests in the Piedmont of North Carolina. It thrives in rocky or sandy dry woodlands under oaks at elevations from 700 to 1500 meters. NC State University and N. C. A and T State University collaborate with federal, state, and local governments to form the N. C. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and works with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The extension prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status.
📹 Lilies of the Valley and Roses in Frelinghuysen Arboretum, New Jersey, May 15, 2022
Lilies of the Valley and Roses in Frelinghuysen Arboretum, New Jersey, May 15, 2022.
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