Free delivery on orders over £85
Posting plants since 1994
No Quibble GuaranteeHow to grow Convallaria
Convallaria are commonly referred to as ‘Lily of the Valley’. Known as the happiness flower they were once used as a liquor to be smeared on the forehead, said to improve common sense and memory.
Highly scented, bell-shaped flowers are presented upon elliptical and ovate leaves, filling your spring garden with a heavenly, sweet fragrance. Shortly followed by plump berries. A great addition, happily naturalising in grass, under shrubs and roses in a cottage or informal garden. Equally exquisite in a modern planting scheme or containers, the blooms are perfect for small flower arrangements. Convallaria will grow to an optimum height and spread of approximately 25cm.
Key Information
Soil pH
Position
Hardiness
Where & when to plant Convallaria
Grown from rhizomes called ‘pips’, once planted the roots extend quickly underground, creating wonderful, weed-suppressing groundcover.
Plant Convallaria in autumn because a good cold, winter dormancy period is required.
How to plant Convallaria
Plant in moist, well-drained soil in partial shade. Use good quality, multi-purpose compost to grow in a pot. If your soil lacks fertility, add organic matter or leaf mould to promote healthy growth and development or grit to aid drainage and prevent rotting.
Separate the ‘pips’ and plant in small holes with the roots radiating out as much as possible, about 3cm below the soil surface, spacing around 10cm apart.
What to plant with Convallaria
Convallaria are an amazing companion to any spring flowering bulb or perennial. Pansies and primula, small daffodils or bluebells, they are so versatile.
How to care for Convallaria
Water to settle, then water as required until the shoots emerge, keeping the area moist but not wet. Mulch with a generous layer of leaf mould in the autumn to retain moisture levels and to protect the roots and stem from winter wet and frost.
After blooming, leave the foliage in place so it can gather sunlight and photosynthesise, strengthening the plants for the future. Remember if planted in grass, not to mow until the foliage has completely died back.
How to propagate Convallaria
Convallaria can be propagated from seed sown in containers then stored in a cold frame. As soon as the berries are ripe remove the fleshy coating to access the seeds and sow them in a tray of seed compost. Remember to wear gloves where necessary.
Once this is done, cover seed with a sprinkling of sand or soil and water in. Light is needed for germination to occur, so it is best to expose seeds to natural autumn warmth followed by winter cold - this offers ideal conditions for germination to occur in spring as the weather warms.
Alternatively, propagate by division in autumn.