Taller, larger and flowers more above the leaves than the species; stem base is wine-colored; 8″-12″; whz 3-8.
Nodding, bell-shaped, extremely fragrant flowers on 6” – 8” stems decorate the dark green, bold, lance-shaped foliage of this lovely, deciduous ground cover. Spreading by underground rhizomes forming a carpet in shady, evenly moist areas, this native to the Northern Hemisphere is a great ‘shoes and socks’ plant for shade loving shrubs, perennials, and bulbs. Leaves and flowers appear in late spring; it often takes a season to establish itself, but is well worth the effort as it provides an abundance of cut flowers and can be used as a natural air freshener in your home. Critter resistant; 5 per sq. ft.; flowering pips.
Hey fellow garden enthusiasts! I’ve been growing Convallaria majalis ‘Bordeaux’ (fancy name for Bordeaux Lily of the Valley) for years in my woodland garden, and I’m super excited to share everything I know about this amazing plant. Whether you’re a newbie gardener or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you succeed with this enchanting perennial.
What Makes Bordeaux Lily of the Valley Special?
‘Bordeaux’ isn’t your grandma’s regular Lily of the Valley – it’s like the fancy cousin that showed up to the family reunion! Here’s what makes it stand out
- Larger bell-shaped flowers (8-12 bells per stem vs. 6-8 on regular varieties)
- Pure white blooms held above the foliage (not hidden between leaves)
- Darker green, more rounded tulip-like foliage
- Super fragrant flowers (they’re even used in perfumes!)
- Produces cute orange berries after flowering
Growing Requirements
Light & Location
- Partial to full shade (< 6 hours direct sun)
- Can handle full sun in northern regions if soil stays moist
- Perfect for woodland gardens and shady spots
Soil & Water
- Loves fertile, humus-rich soil
- pH range: 5.8-6.5
- Needs consistent moisture
- Tolerates summer drought once established
Size & Spread
- Height: 6-10 inches
- Spread: 8-15 inches
- Grows rapidly as ground cover
Hardiness
- Zones 2-8 (super tough!)
- Handles cold like a champ
Planting Tips
-
Best Planting Time
- Late winter to early spring
- Fall planting also works great
-
Planting Process
- Dig holes large enough for roots
- Plant pips with pointy end up
- Tips should stick slightly above soil
- Space 6-12 inches apart
- Water thoroughly after planting
Maintenance & Care
Annual Care
- Add organic compost in fall
- Keep soil consistently moist
- No pruning needed (yay, less work!)
Container Growing
- Use 4 pips per gallon container
- Commercial potting mix works best
- Takes 6-8 weeks to finish
Potential Problems
Watch out for
- Weevils
- Nematodes
- Anthracnose
- Leaf spots
- Crown gall
Design Ideas & Companion Plants
I love pairing Bordeaux Lily of the Valley with these shade-loving buddies
- Hostas (try ‘When I Dream’)
- Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
- Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
- Bergenia ‘Miss Piggy’
- Anemone ‘Curtain Call Deep Rose’
Warning! (Important Stuff)
Okay, real talk time – this plant is AGGRESSIVE! While it’s awesome for covering tough spots and smothering weeds, it’ll spread like crazy once established. Plant it where you want a full ground cover, not in small garden beds where it might take over your other precious plants.
Uses in the Garden
- Ground cover for slopes and riverbanks
- Woodland garden feature
- Cut flowers (smells amazing!)
- Container plantings
- Border plant
- Deer-resistant garden areas
My Personal Experience
I planted Bordeaux Lily of the Valley in my shady backyard three years ago, and lemme tell you – it’s been a game changer! The fragrance in spring is absolutely incredible, and it’s solved my bare ground problems under my maple trees where nothing else would grow.
Tips for Success
- Be patient! It might take a season to get established
- Don’t skimp on soil prep – add lots of organic matter
- Keep well-watered during the first growing season
- Plant where it can spread freely
- Consider containing it with barriers if you’re worried about spread
Seasonal Interest
- Spring: Main show with fragrant white flowers
- Summer: Attractive dark green ground cover
- Fall: Orange berries add interest
- Winter: Dies back but returns reliably
FAQs
Q: Will it grow in full sun?
A: It can in northern regions if kept moist, but shade is better.
Q: How fast does it spread?
A: Pretty quick once established – expect significant spread in 2-3 years.
Q: Can I divide it?
A: Yep! Best done in early spring or fall.
Where to Buy
You can find Bordeaux Lily of the Valley at:
- Local garden centers
- Online nurseries
- Specialty perennial nurseries
Listen up, y’all – if you’re looking for a tough, beautiful, and fragrant ground cover for your shady spots, Bordeaux Lily of the Valley is your new BFF. Just remember to give it space to do its thing, and you’ll be rewarded with years of spring-time magic!
Happy gardening, everyone! Drop a comment below if you’ve got questions about growing this beauty – I’d love to help!
#gardening #perennials #shadegarden #groundcover #springflowers
Featured Product Quick View
| Username |
| Password |
| Forgotten Password |
A password will be e-mailed to you.
Are you human? Please solve:
Don’t have an account? Create an account.