How to Grow Convallaria Flowers - Lily of the Valley

About Growing Convallaria Flowers in Your Home Flower Garden

Looking for an effortless bloomer that will grow where the sun won’t shine? Then, growing Convallaria flowers are the perfect choice for your shade garden. Lily of the Valley grows well in shady areas. Native to Asia, Europe, and North America, Convallaria plants make a great ground cover on the north side of houses and buildings. In addition to shade gardens, you can grow them in containers on your balcony.

Lily of the Valley plants grows 6 to 12 inches high. They bloom in late spring. Most varieties are white. There are less common rose or pink varieties of this flower. Convallaria’s bell-shaped flowers produce a strong, pleasant fragrance.

Tip: Try growing Lily of the Valley indoors in the winter. Also, see How to force blooms indoors

Did you Know? When in season, Lily of the Valley is popular in wedding bouquets. Kate Middleton’s bridal bouquet included lily of the Valley flowers.

Flowers Bloom: Late Spring to Early Summer.

Flower Colors: White is by far the most common color. Uncommon colors include pink and rose.

Plant height: 6 to 12 inches tall.

Plant Hardiness Zones: 2 – 9

Convallaria Flower Plant Propagation

Lily of the Valley can be propagated from seed or their rhizomes. Seeds can take months to germinate. So, most people propagate them using rhizomes. Make sure there is at least one bud “Eye” on each rhizome. Plant them with the eye on top of the rhizome.

The plants look their best growing in groups.

Dig up rhizomes of established plants in the Fall and separate them into clumps for re-planting.

Rhizome Planting Depth: Plant rhizomes 2 to 3 inches deep.

Final Plant Spacing: 4 to 6 inches apart. They tolerate a little crowding. However, plants and flowers are smaller when overcrowded.

How to Grow Convallaria Flowers

Lily of the Valley is very easy to grow. The plants prefer partial to dappled shade.

Lily of the Valley plants tolerates poor or heavy clay soils. Like any plant, they will grow better if fertilized. Do so in early spring, and again after the blooms have died off.

Space plants about 12″ apart. Over time they will spread out to fill in empty spaces.

The plants like moist soil. Water plants in dry weather.

Divide and separate plants in the Fall. After a few years, the clumps of flowers should be separated. First, dig up the rhizomes. Then, separate the rhizomes into clumps, using a sharp knife. Make sure at least one “eye” is on each segment. Finally, replant the rhizomes, spacing them four to six apart.

Ideal Soil pH: 6.1 – 7.1.