loading

Convallaria majalis

lily-of-the-valley

Product Image
With its sweetly fragrant, nodding white bell-shaped flowers, this hardy perennial adds charm to shaded gardens in late spring.

Slender arching stems rise above lush green foliage, creating a delicate yet striking display. Convallaria majalis, commonly known as Lily of the Valley, thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and naturalises easily, forming a dense carpet over time.

Ideal for woodland gardens, shady borders, or under trees, it brings brightness to darker spots and requires minimal maintenance once established. Spreading via underground rhizomes, this cottage garden favourite also makes an excellent cut flower, allowing you to enjoy its scent indoors.

Please note that the lily-of-the-valley sold as bare root plants have been field grown. To keep the roots hydrated, they are supplied with a little compost. Those bare root rhizomes sold in a multibuy offer will come in a bundle of five, and these can be gently teased apart before planting out.

How to care for Convallaria majalis:

Convallaria thrives in shady spots with well-drained, humus-rich soil. When planting bare root rhizomes, position them 5-8cm (2-3in) deep and space them 20cm (8in) apart to allow room for spreading.

Potted plants can be placed at 30cm (12in) apart and will increase to provide excellent ground cover. Water the rhizomes well after planting to help establish them.

To maintain healthy growth and prevent overcrowding, divide and replant congested clumps in September by carefully lifting the clumps and separating the rhizomes, ensuring each division has some roots attached.

Apply a generous mulch of composted leaf mould around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and enrich the soil as it decomposes.
Flowering period:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Eventual height:
0.25m
Eventual spread:
0.25m
Position:

Light shade / shade

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

  • InformationHumans/Pets: TOXIC if eaten

Product options

Add to basket
Product options image
RH30003479
9cm pot
£10.99
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
Remove Add
Product options image
PL30001670
3 × 9cm pots
£24.99 £8.33 each
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
Remove Add
Product options image
PL00001688
2 litre pot
£17.99
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
Remove Add
Product options image
PL30008057
3 × 2 litre pots
£44.99 £15.00 each
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
Remove Add
Product options image
BU30001274
1 × bare root plant
was £3.99 now £2.39
available to order from autumn
Product options image
BU30001338
2 + 3 FREE bare root plants
£7.98 £1.60 each
available to order from autumn
Delivery options (pick your preferred option at checkout)
Standard delivery Standard Delivery£5.95
Nominated delivery Named Day Delivery£10.95

Goes well with

Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year