Lily of the valley
Also known as
Lily-of-the-valley, May lily, May bells, Our Lady's tears, Muguet, Mary's tears
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
Get the appAbout Lily of the valley
Convallaria majalis, commonly known as lily of the valley, is a rhizomatous, shade-loving perennial famed for its intoxicating fragrance. Emerging early in spring, pairs of lanceolate to elliptic leaves (10–20 cm long) unfurl from creeping rhizomes, followed by arching scapes bearing rows of 5–15 pendent, waxy, white bell-shaped flowers. These bloom in late spring and are sometimes followed by small orange-red berries. Over time, clonal colonies form a dense, weed-suppressing groundcover in cool, humus-rich woodland conditions. Extremely hardy, it tolerates cold winters and prefers evenly moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils. While largely carefree, it can spread aggressively in hospitable sites and may require edging to contain. All parts are poisonous due to cardiac glycosides; ingestion can cause serious symptoms, so site away from children and pets. In gardens it is valued for naturalizing beneath deciduous trees, as a cut flower, and for forcing pips for indoor bloom. Several cultivars exist, including double-flowered and variegated forms.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Lily of the valley
Water
Keep consistently moist during active growth and bloom, aiming for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week including rainfall. In gardens, water deeply but infrequently, letting the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of soil dry slightly between sessions; mulch helps buffer moisture. In containers, water when the top 1 inch dries, then drain thoroughly—never let pots sit in water. Reduce watering markedly after foliage yellows and dormancy begins, resuming regular moisture as new shoots emerge in spring.
Light
Thrives in partial to full shade, especially beneath deciduous canopies that provide bright spring light and summer dapple. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal; avoid harsh midday or late-afternoon sun that burns leaves and stresses roots. In deep shade it persists but produces fewer flowers; in bright, cool climates it tolerates more sun if soil stays moist. Indoors for forcing, give bright indirect light rather than direct rays.
Nutrients
Feed sparingly. Incorporate 2–5 cm of leaf mold or compost into the bed in autumn or early spring to mimic woodland duff. In nutrient-poor soils, apply a light top-dressing of a low-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10) just as shoots emerge; avoid overfeeding, which reduces flowering and encourages rampant foliage. For containers, use a balanced, slow-release formula at 1/4 rate in spring, then stop by midsummer. Maintain soil organic matter and mulch; this usually supplies all nutrients the plant requires.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA Zones 2–8, lily of the valley endures severe winter cold when dormant. Ideal temperatures for spring growth and flowering are cool: 50–70°F (10–21°C). It tolerates brief heat but struggles in sustained >86°F (>30°C); provide deep shade and extra mulch in hot climates. Rhizomes survive to roughly −30°F (−34°C) with mulch. Avoid warm, dry winter indoor conditions unless forcing; after bloom, allow plants to return to cool outdoor conditions to reset for the next season.
