The lily of the valley, or Coriolaria majalis, is not a true lily; in fact, it belongs to the asparagus family, even if certain lilies’ foliage is resemblant to its own. A medium-sized grass grows from 5 to 10 inches long and 1 to 3 inches wide, starting from the center of a cluster. When different types are planted for cross-pollination, tiny, graceful white flowers rise on long stems from the leaf clusters in the spring, and orange-red berries bloom later in the fall. Don’t be fooled by the bell-shaped petals of lilies of the valley’s delicate appearance. This resilient green cover grows slowly but persistently to form dense colonies.1.
Lily of the valley planting options include root divisions, potted plants, or seeds in the fall; however, sprout planting is also permissible. Throughout the Midwest and Northeast, where it may be outlawed or severely discouraged, it is thought to be invasive. Be advised that lily of the valley is poisonous to horses, dogs, cats, and humans.2. It contains glycosides and saprophylls, which can cause heart symptoms and upset the stomach when consumed in high quantities. The most common cause of poisoning by children is consumption of berries, and there is a chance of death.
Lily of the valley can thrive in nearly any area with some shade. In actuality, gardeners often place it behind trees in areas where many other plants won’t flourish because of the shade. The rhizomes should be spaced about 6 inches apart, and the growing buds should be about 1/2 inch deep.
After it is established, this plant requires minimal maintenance to flourish. It is a long-lived plant without many serious insect or disease problems. Apply water to relieve dry spells. Additionally, it’s beneficial to divide and dig up older plants if flowering has decreased in order to revitalize their growth.
Lily of the valley reproduces by dispersing rhizomes and carefully tending to it to ensure that it stays within its bounds. Lily of the valley may quickly spread and engulf a huge area, and it has the potential to choke out other plants in its immediate vicinity. Considered an invasive plant in many parts of the Midwest and Northeast, the European daisy is even referred to as a poison oak in some areas.
Partially shaded lily of the valley to full shade. Direct marketing is fine, but the plant needs to be shielded from the harsh aftermarket. And full shade is ideal if you dwell in a warmer region of its growing zones.
Good drainage and organically rich soil are preferred by lily of the valley plants. However, it may thrive in a variety of soil conditions, including clay soil. It prefers soil with an acidic to neutral pH, but it may even survive slightly alkaline soil.
This plant likes evenly damp but not saturated soil. Water the soil whenever it starts to dry up from a lack of rainfall and/or extreme heat. Overly dry soil will hinder plant growth and flowering.
Lily of the valley loves moderate temperatures with a typical humidity level. The ideal temperature range is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant struggles in arid, warm areas. Even in temperate locations, it may wither away during the hottest summer months. This generally restores the next spirit rather than killing it.
Unless you have poor soil, lily of the valley usually doesn’t need any fertilizer. If your soil is deficient in nutrients, you can apply a slow-releasing fertilizer to the sprout. In order to maximize yield, adhere to the product label instructions.
In addition to the common lily of the valley species for gardens, there are a number of cultivated varieties available, including the following:
Neither preheading nor deadheading are required with this print. Leave the leaves to remain in their original position and to deteriorate, giving the plants a natural mulch.
Dividing the roots in fall or spring makes multiplying lily of the valley relatively simple. Dividesio acts to both make new prints and recycle old ones that have grown so dense that they are no longer able to support flowers. Here is how to spread via root division:
Dig up the clmps using a shovel.
Divide the roots into several groups by pulling them apart using your hands.
Replace the split roots in shady spots that are around six inches apart and half an inch deep.
Thoroughly water the planting area and do so regularly until the new plants are fully established.
Growing from seed is not common, however root division is a very simple method of propagation. Although growing lilies of the valley from seed is difficult and time-consuming, it can be the most efficient approach to obtain plants if you want to develop a formalized hybrid. The seeds ought to be sown early in the spring, or at the end of the working day. Plant them in little pots or seed flats, then cover them with a layer of compost and fine gravel.
Plant the seed flat or container in the soil in a shady spot and maintain moisture levels. Seeds might take anywhere from two months to a full year to germinate and sprout. Once the seedlings appear, transfer them to individual pots and continue growing them for a further two years. They can be transferred to the guard at this point in time if they fall or stumble.3.
Plants like lilies of the valley are not typically found in conservation areas; yet, since this species has the potential to spread, conserving conservation areas may be an effective means of preserving the plant within defined boundaries. Lily of the valley can be grown with ease in well-draining pots that are filled with regular planting mix. The content may not always be accurate.
To overwinter, potted plants can be moved to a sheltered location. Growing them as permanent habitats is also an option, but this will need moving them to a cool location for a few weeks every year to allow for the required dormant time. Give this a few weeks to mature, and the plants will bloom outside for at least four weeks every year.
Although gardens don’t require any protection from the cold in the winter, autumn is an excellent time to top-dress with compost, which offers all the necessary nourishment.
Aphids and spider mites are two pests that can harm lilies of the valley. Aphids and spider mites can be controlled with horticultural oil, or they can be left alone and wait to be eaten by natural predators. Pest problems are nearly always serious.
Common illnesses include leaf spots, fungus, and athracnose, several of which are extremely serious. The impacted plant portions can be eliminated and destroyed (not composted, which could release spores).4
This plant usually blooms for a few weeks throughout the late spring to early summer; the precise bloom time depends on your hardiness zone. In general, flowers do not require coaxing, but you may find that in older colonies, flowering begins to wane as the clumps become dense and overgrow. Rearranging and splitting the root clusters and leaving a small amount of space between them will encourage better flowering.1.
Though this plant generally reblooms as the weather cools down again, it is best suited for regions with comparatively cool summers. Additionally, foliage declines frequently result in hot summers. Therefore, if brown foliage appears throughout the summer, it’s probably a natural reaction to the heat; just make sure the plants receive enough water.
Lily of the valley may spread quite quickly in the right conditions. Consult with local specialists prior to planting, and be ready to perform routine maintenance to manage the plant’s tendency to wander.