Lily of the Valley
convallaria majalis
Also known as: ["May lily","Our Lady's tears","Mary's tears"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant known for its sweetly fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers and red berries.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Genus: | Convallaria |
| Botanical Name: | Convallaria majalis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shady garden bed or woodland setting
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-draining loam with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or as needed to tidy up.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade; 4–6 hours of morning sunlight or bright indirect light. Avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to outdoor light; protect from direct sun; in winter, provide more light if indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Morning sun preferred; dappled light ideal; avoid hot afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogging; ensure good drainage.
Soil
moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 5.5–7.0.
Keep soil consistently moist; enrich with organic matter; ensure good drainage.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, 50–70°F (10–21°C). Tolerates cooler spring/summer nights.
Keep cool in summer; protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and early summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply in spring only; use a balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Division of rhizomes; best done after flowering or in early fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up rhizomes.
- Divide into sections with at least one growth bud.
- Replant immediately.
Best Time: Late summer or early fall after flowering ceases.
Environment
Partial shade, consistent moisture, and cool temperatures.
Medium
Rich, well-draining soil with added compost or leaf mold.
Hormone
Not necessary for rhizome division.
Timeline
Establishment within 1–2 growing seasons; flowering may take 1–2 years.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, gloves.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; replant divisions at the same depth.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flower stems at the base; trim yellowing leaves.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing spent flowers and dead foliage to encourage reblooming and reduce disease.
Tools
Hand pruners, scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; cut back dead foliage; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Use the same size pot or slightly larger if necessary.
Method
Gently lift rhizomes, trim any dead parts, replant in fresh, well-draining soil at the same depth.
Suggestions
Not typically repotted; prefers undisturbed growth. Repot only if severely overcrowded or in poor soil.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; replant at correct depth.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone. Water until the soil is moist but not saturated, ensuring excess drains away. Early morning watering is ideal to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water regularly during spring and early summer when growth is active, reducing frequency in fall and winter. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or leaf mold to enhance fertility and drainage; incorporate perlite if soil is heavy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or failure to flower in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf damage or dieback in prolonged freezing conditions.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost; avoid planting in exposed areas.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced flowering, and potential root stress in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil fertility; apply lightly; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Avoid over-fertilizing, as Convallaria prefers lean soil.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicConvallaria majalis is toxic to cats, with cardiac glycosides causing severe cardiovascular and neurological effects. Cats are particularly sensitive to these toxins, and ingestion can be life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe cardiac glycosides in Convallaria majalis are highly toxic to dogs, affecting their cardiovascular and nervous systems. Even small amounts can cause serious health issues due to the potent nature of the toxins.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicConvallaria majalis, commonly known as lily of the valley, contains cardiac glycosides that can disrupt heart function and electrolyte balance. Ingestion can lead to severe cardiovascular and neurological effects due to the potent toxins convallatoxin and convallarin.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lily of the Valley toxic to humans?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant are highly toxic to humans if ingested.
Q: Does Lily of the Valley require full sun?
A: No, it prefers partial to full shade.
Q: How can I propagate Lily of the Valley?
A: It can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes in early spring or fall.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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