Here are some interesting facts that you might not know about the lily of the valley.
In Christian beliefs, the lily of the valley is a well-referenced flower in the bible.
Other than these, lilies of the valley are also traditional wedding bouquet flowers in Europe.
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It is also the official birth month flower of May, hence, the other alias May flower.
In general, it is associated with meanings of innocence, devotion and fidelity.
Types of Lily of the Valley
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More than that, it is also not as fragrant as the traditional lily of the valley.
Unlike the other lily of the valley cultivars, this one is particular to shady areas.
Convallaria majalis Flore Pleno
Like the Fortins, this one is also particular to shade.
It is known for its fragrant, double-flowers that bloom during spring.
It is attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
It also has striking, long, lancing and pendant-shaped leaves in hues of dark green.
It has larger blooms compared to the typical lily of the valley.
For its bell-shaped flowers, the most common color is white.
Some varieties have creamy white color which looks like it has yellow tinges.
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Other colors include pale pink to deeper pink hues.
As for the berries, it can either be yellow/white, red or blue colors.
Its rhizomatic roots, also known as pips, are divided after flowering.
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This means that in between November to December must be the recommended planting time.
Cooler temperatures will allow the plant to enter dormancy, paving for brighter flowers during bloom time in spring.
It will thrive well if it is replanted in between trees or shrubs.
Soak the roots for at least an hour and sit dry.
Plant separately in 8-inch pots and cover it with moist soil.
Cover it enough until only the shoot is spiking from the surface.
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Plant thoroughly until roots spread in the pot for re-planting in a shady, outdoor location.
It also loves moderately acidic soils at a pH range of 6-6.5.
This specific acidity could be found in forest soils.
It will grow well in sandy and loamy soil.
Overwatering the soil will make it soggy.
This one will lead to root rot.
Fertilizer
Unlike other moist-loving plants, the lily of the valley does not fancy too much fertilizer.
Adding organic compost or 2-inches of mulch annually is already enough for this plant.
Sun & Light
It thrives better in shade than in light.
If it is exposed to more sun, you should amend it with more water.
Planting it in very sunny climates will not make it bloom.
Instead, it will make the leaves crisp and yellow until they die.
Water requirements
Like most moist-loving plants, you could water them everyday but at a regulated level.
confirm that at least two inches of the top soil is dry before watering again.
To maintain the moisture, you could do misting every morning at the leaves and base of the plant.
Thorough watering is needed during the growing season (spring to early summer).
Humidity and temperature
Lily of the valley is cold-hardy in zones 2-9.
It loves cool climates and low-humidity rooms.
It can tolerate low temperatures of up to -11 degrees Celsius.
Repotting
This process will happen if there is root overgrowth.
Carefully dig through the root stock and repeat the process of how to plant the lily of the valley.
Pruning
As for pruning, just take notice of yellow or brown leaves and shear them off.
Instead of regular pruning, this plant needs regular dividing the stolon or root stock.
it’s possible for you to prune off the undesirable stolon during the first frost or during early spring.
It also self-spreads through its berry-like seeds.
But if you are curious to do some propagation, you could use two ways.
One, plant the pips in moist, well-draining soil in the summer.
Two, plant as many pips to facilitate self-pollination and produce berries.
Prune off the yellow or wilted leaves and wait for it to come alive after winter.
You still have to watch out for yellowing leaves that might be a sign of overwatering.
Some of these pests would be spider mites who would chew on the leaves during spring.
In effect, the leaves will become sappy and it will turn yellow.
The most common pests for lily of the valley would be snails and slugs.
Aside from ripping the soil off of nutrients, they also produce leaf spots.
Adding to its toxicity is a rare amino acid that will cause seizures and cardiac arrest when ingested.
Thorough hand washing is recommended if you ever come close to the plant.
To kill the plant entirely, you have to use a reliable herbicide containing glyphosate.
It will not be killed immediately.
You have to continually apply the herbicide for at least two weeks.
