Lily of the Valley
Convallaria majalis
Family Asparagaceae
One sniff explains the devotion — lily of the valley's sprays of tiny white bells carry a perfume so fine it anchors classic fragrances and bridal bouquets, and the plant delivers it in deep, dry shade where almost nothing else will consent to bloom.
In a contained, shaded strip it carpets the ground at ankle height, untouched by deer and determined to spread. Respect it, though — every part is highly toxic, so keep it from children and pets; this is a plant for perfume, not tasting. Where a fenced side yard needs fragrance, let it run.
Part Shade to Shade
Moderate water
Moderate-Fast growth
Deer-resistant
Attracts bees
From the print shop
Growing lily of the valley? Hang it.
Our Plant Library collection carries lily of the valley — Convallaria majalis, print Nº 276, “Lily of the Valley.”
526 designsfrom $12.99white or black backgroundmatte poster, unframed
Will it thrive where you are?
Enter your ZIP — we look up your USDA hardiness zone (2023 map) and check it against what lily of the valley actually needs.
Hardy inZones 2-7Lily of the Valley · Common problems
Common lily of the valley problems
Pests
1 problem on file
- Almost none
Diseases
1 problem on file
- Almost none
Lily of the Valley · Growing & propagation
Growing lily of the valley
- Light
- Part Shade to Shade
- Water
- Moderate
Adaptable once established
Soil- Rich, humusy · pH 6.0 - 7.0
Fertilizer- Light compost
Pruning- After foliage yellows
Almost none — it's a vigorous spreader; contain it or give it a shady area to colonize. Divide 'pips' to share.
Spacing- 4-6 in
Spreads by rhizome — it RUNS
How to plant & propagate lily of the valley
- Propagate
- Division or seed
Lily of the Valley · Calculators & field guides
A little help in the garden.
Lily of the Valley · Yearly calendar
The lily of the valley year, month by month
Jan
No calendar activity is listed for this month.
BloomBloomMarch to May
What each band means
- Bloom — flowers open — pollinators working, frost on blossoms is the danger.
These are the species' typical months — expect them a few weeks earlier in warm zones and later in cold ones. Watch the plant, not just the calendar.
Lily of the Valley · Ecology & uses
Ecology & uses
Convallaria majalis
Lily of the Valley in the garden system
- Groundcover layer perennial
- Living mulch
Attracts- Bees
- Moisture
- Facultative / average
- Deer
- Resistant
A safer unfenced choice
Origin- Introduced
What lily of the valley is grown for
⚠ Toxic if eatenALL PARTS HIGHLY TOXIC (cardiac glycosides) — keep from kids/pets; even vase water is toxic
Use- Fragrant groundcover
- Use
- Deep shade
- Use
- Cut nosegays
Edibility, identification, and traditional-use notes here are general reference — not medical or veterinary advice, and not a claim that any plant treats or prevents anything. Medicinal ratings record how strongly a plant features in herbal tradition, nothing more. Never eat or dose a plant you have not positively identified. More on how to use this library.
Lily of the Valley · Varieties & cultivars
Choosing a lily of the valley variety
'Rosea' (pink); 'Bordeaux' (large); variegated forms
Sources & plant identity
Know what you’re growing.
See where the knowledge comes from.
Lily of the Valley
Convallaria majalis
The plant, at a glance.
- Botanical name
- Convallaria majalis
- Plant family
- Asparagaceae
- Growth habit
- Perennial
- Origin
- Introduced
- USDA plant symbol
- COMA7
- Invasive risk
- Low
Hardiness, size and timing vary with your cultivar, soil and climate.
Rooted in research.
University extension research, brought together with hands-on growing experience at Story Thyme Farms.
Questions
Lily of the Valley questions, answered straight.
Do deer eat lily of the valley?
Rarely — lily of the valley is considered deer-resistant, which makes it one of the safer unfenced choices in deer country. Hungry deer in a hard winter test every rule, but it's a low-risk pick.
Is lily of the valley safe for kids and pets?
No — treat it as toxic if eaten. ALL PARTS HIGHLY TOXIC (cardiac glycosides) — keep from kids/pets; even vase water is toxic Site it accordingly if children or pets roam the garden. This is general reference, not medical or veterinary advice — call a vet or poison control if something has actually been eaten.
How do you propagate lily of the valley?
Division or seed.
Elsewhere
Where lily of the valley sits in the library.
Nasturtium
Juniper
Blue Fescue
Hens and Chicks