Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is not a true lily; its actually part of the asparagus family, though its foliage is reminiscent of some lilies. This plant has small green leaves and petite, fragrant, white flowers rise on long stems from the leaf clumps in spring. This is a hardy ground cover that spreads gradually but persistently to form dense colonies.
It is considered invasive in much of the Midwest and Northeast. Be aware that lily of the valley is toxic to humans and pets.
Lily of the valley is a classic shade-loving perennial that produces charming flowers in spring. With its sweet fragrance and delicate white bell-shaped blooms it’s easy to see why gardeners have cherished this flower for centuries. If you’re looking to add lily of the valley to your own garden you may be wondering where you can buy these enchanting plants.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying lily of the valley, including:
- A brief overview of lily of the valley
- The best places to buy lily of the valley plants online and in-person
- When to purchase lily of the valley
- What to look for when buying lily of the valley
- Care tips to help your new plants thrive
An Overview of Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley, also known by its scientific name Convallaria majalis, is a perennial flowering plant that emerges in early spring. Native to Europe, lily of the valley grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 2-9.
This woodland plant reaches a petite height of just 6-12 inches tall and spreads to form lush, green carpets of foliage. The leaves are oval-shaped and pointy. Beginning in late spring, plants produce dangling white bell-shaped blooms on reddish arching stems. The flowers emit a lovely, sweet fragrance that perfumes the garden.
Aside from its beauty, lily of the valley holds significance in mythology and popular culture. It has been featured in poetry and is a popular wedding flower. In the language of flowers, lily of the valley symbolizes purity, humility, and renewal.
While breathtaking lily of the valley can be aggressive spreaders. They propagate both by seed and underground rhizomes. Plant them where you want them to naturalize and fill in over time.
Where to Buy Lily of the Valley Online
Purchasing lily of the valley plants online is convenient provides the widest selection, and allows you to buy when it’s not peak planting season in your area. Here are some recommended online shops for buying lily of the valley
Breck’s – This family-owned company has been supplying bulbs and plants for over 85 years. They offer lily of the valley in traditional white as well as unique varieties like pink, variegated, and double-flowered. Plants ship at the optimal planting time for your growing zone.
Nature Hills Nursery – In addition to classic lily of the valley, they sell hardy plants like fernleaf peonies and bleeding hearts. Volume discounts are available. Plants ship at proper planting times.
American Meadows – This retailer supplies plants optimized for American growing conditions. They have lily of the valley as well as companion plants like astilbes, hostas, and epimediums.
Etsy – On Etsy’s online marketplace, you can find lily of the valley sold by small home nurseries and growers. This includes hard-to-find varieties.
When ordering online, look for vendors that ship bare root plants at the proper planting time for your region. This ensures the plants arrive in optimum condition.
Buying Lily of the Valley at Retail Nurseries
Another option is purchasing lily of the valley plants from your local retail nursery. A benefit of buying in-person is you can inspect the plants before purchasing.
Look for nurseries that source plants locally or regionally rather than those shipped long distances. Locally-grown plants will adapt better to conditions in your area.
Visit specialty perennial nurseries, family-owned garden centers, or the plant section of hardware stores. Lily of the valley may be sold as individual plants, bundles of rhizomes, or pre-planted in containers.
Shop for plants in spring. In warmer zones, some nurseries may carry lily of the valley in fall. But early spring is ideal as plants are just emerging from dormancy.
When to Buy Lily of the Valley
Timing is an important consideration when buying lily of the valley, whether ordering online or purchasing from a local nursery.
In most regions, late winter to early spring is optimal. This gives plants time to develop roots before the first summer bloom period. Expect lily of the valley shipments to arrive February through May.
If planting in fall, look for lily of the valley available in late summer to early autumn. Fall planting gives roots a head start before winter dormancy.
Buying “in season” ensures plants arrive at the proper stage of growth for planting in your area.
What to Look For When Buying Lily of the Valley
When selecting lily of the valley plants, choose vigorous, healthy specimens and avoid any signs of disease, damage, or pests.
Roots – Plants bought bare root should have plump white roots and pale buds or early leaves. Avoid plants with dark mushy roots.
Foliage – Leaves that emerge should be bright green. Watch for any yellowing or brown spots which may indicate issues.
Rhizomes – Opt for large, robust rhizomes which will establish better. Small, thin rhizomes may struggle.
Flowers – No flowers should be present when purchasing bare root plants. Wait until after planting to enjoy blooms.
Also inspect plants thoroughly for any insect pests like mites or signs of disease. Discolored or damaged plants are best avoided.
Caring for Lily of the Valley After Buying
Once you get your new lily of the valley plants home, proper care is important to help them flourish. Here are some tips:
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Plant in a shaded spot with fertile, humus-rich and well-draining soil. Amend with compost if needed.
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Space plants 8-12 inches apart to allow room for good air circulation and growth.
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Water thoroughly after planting and mist leaves occasionally until established.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring and again after flowering.
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Remove spent flowers and cut back foliage in fall to tidy up plants.
Fertilizer
Lily of the valley typically doesn’t need any fertilizer unless you have poor soil. If your soil lacks nutrients, you can add a slow-release granular fertilizer in the spring. For the amount to use, follow the product label instructions.
Light
Plant lily of the valley in partial sun to full shade. Direct morning sun is all right, but the plant needs protection from the harsh afternoon sun. And if you live in a warmer part of its growing zones, full shade is best.
Dr SEBI- lily of the valley (“Herb”)… Work so well I had to buy it again
FAQ
Is lily of the valley expensive?
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Fragility and Short Lifespan:Lily of the valley is known for being very delicate and having a short vase life, making it difficult to handle and maintain for extended periods.
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Seasonal Availability:Lily of the valley blooms naturally in spring, so it’s harder to source and more expensive during other seasons.
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Symbolism and Popularity:Its association with purity, humility, and luck in love makes it a popular choice for bridal bouquets, especially among royals and wealthy individuals, further driving up demand and price.
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Cultivation Challenges:The flower’s growing requirements are also considered fussy, leading to a limited supply and higher costs.
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Price Range:Expect to pay upwards of $600+ for a bridal bouquet featuring lily of the valley, or even $2000 or more depending on the season and size.
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Alternatives:Some florists recommend similarly small flowers like sweet peas, baby’s breath, and waxflowers as stunning substitutes.
Does Lowes carry lily of the valley plants?
3-Pack Lily Of The Valley Starter Plants in Bareroot 96860 at Lowes.com.
What month do you plant lily of the valley?
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Bare Root Pips:Plant bare root pips (also called rhizomes) in early spring while they are still dormant.
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Potted Plants:You can plant potted lily of the valley anytime during the growing season, but it’s best to wait until after flowering if you’re planting them out of pots.
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Fall Planting:If planting in the fall, ensure it’s done before the ground freezes, allowing the roots to establish before winter.
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Spacing:Space lily of the valley pips about 4-6 inches apart and plant them 1-2 inches deep in the soil.
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Sunlight:Lily of the valley prefers partial shade, but will also grow in full shade.
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Soil:Choose well-draining, rich soil.
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Watering:Water the plant regularly, especially during the first year, and when the soil is dry.
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Note:Lily of the valley can be an aggressive spreader, so plant with caution.
Can you grow lily of the valley at home?
Plant the pips in a moist well-drained potting mix with the tips just visible above the soil. Place the container in a bright location, watering often enough to keep the soil moist, but not wet. Continue to water and wait for the flowers to appear in 3 to 4 weeks. Remove flower stems as the flowers fade.
How much does a lily of the valley cost?
Spring Hill NurseriesLily of the Valley (Convallaria), Live Bareroot Groundcover Perennial Plant, White Flowers (6-Pack) Model# 07799 (19) $1761 Spring Hill NurseriesPink Lily of the Valley (Convallaris), Live Bareroot Groundcover Perennial Plant, Pink Flowers (6-Pack)
Where can I buy Lilly of the valley perennials?
Lilly of the Valley – Perennials – Garden Flowers – The Home Depot Get free shipping on qualified Lilly of the Valley Perennials products or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Outdoors Department. #1 Home Improvement Retailer
Are lilies a good garden plant?
The plant is resistant to grazing animals such as deer and rabbits. It is an excellent addition to woodland and rock gardens. Lily of the Valley flowers looks great when planted with other perennials such as the Yellow Trillium, Bloodroot and the May Apple. Shade-loving plants like moist, yet well-drained soils.
How do lilies grow?
After the flower blossoms, green berries may appear that will turn red or orange when ripe. They grow best in zones 3-9. Lily of the valley has green, shiny and pointy leaves that can reach a height of 6-9 inches in length. The plant can be up 8 inches wide. It reproduces through the seeds found in its berries as well as by rhizomes and stolons.