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 that 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 dainty, bell-shaped white flowers in spring. With its sweet scent and low-maintenance nature, it’s no wonder this flower has been a garden favorite for centuries. If you’re looking to add lily of the valley to your own garden, you may be wondering where to find these charming plants for sale. In this article, we’ll overview some of the best places to buy lily of the valley online and in-person.
Buying Lily of the Valley Online
Purchasing plants online offers convenience and selection. Here are some top online retailers to consider for buying lily of the valley plants:
Native Wildflowers Nursery
Native Wildflowers Nursery is a family-owned and operated nursery specializing in native plants. They offer bare root lily of the valley available for shipping in fall or spring. You can purchase them individually or in money-saving bundles. For example, you can get 3 plants for $14.97 or 25 plants for $89.99.
The bare roots arrive packaged in damp sphagnum moss and newspaper to preserve moisture. Clear planting instructions are included. The company ships to locations across the United States.
Breck’s
Breck’s is a well-established bulb and perennial company that’s been around for over 85 years. They offer several types of lily of the valley for shipment in spring or fall.
Some options include:
- Regular lily of the valley
- Variegated lily of the valley – has leaves edged in white
- Pink lily of the valley
- Double-flowered lily of the valley
- Giant lily of the valley – grows taller than average
The plants are shipped as bare roots Discount bundles are available to save money
Bluestone Perennials
Bluestone Perennials supplies a wide selection of perennials, shrubs and vines. They carry lily of the valley as dormant, bare root plants ready for fall planting.
The Mini Pearl variety they offer has extra petite flowers and is suitable for containers. The bare roots are shipped with planting instructions. Volume discounts are given when you buy in bulk.
Nature Hills Nursery
Nature Hills Nursery focuses on nursery-grown perennials, shrubs, and trees. They have potted lily of the valley plants available. You receive established plants in 2.5 inch pots that are ready for planting into the garden.
American Meadows
American Meadows specializes in wildflower and perennial plants. They sell packs of 3 or 5 dormant, bare root lily of the valley plants. Their lily of the valley selection is limited to the classic white-flowered variety, but volume discounts are available.
Shopping for Lily of the Valley at Local Nurseries
Another option is to shop for potted lily of the valley plants at local retail nurseries. Here are some benefits of buying in person:
- Inspect plants for health and vigor
- No shipping delays
- Immediate planting gratification
- Support local businesses
- Avoid possible shipping damage
The selection at local nurseries can vary. Call ahead to check availability and pricing before visiting. Some spots to check include:
Independent Garden Centers
Independently owned garden centers aimed at homeowners often have a nice selection of perennials. Visit nurseries in your area to see if lily of the valley is in stock. These small businesses typically offer great customer service as well.
Greenhouses
Commercial greenhouse growers supply plants to retail nurseries, landscapers, municipalities, and more. However, many also have a section open for public retail purchasing. Check nearby greenhouses to see if lily of the valley is available.
Big Box Stores
Home improvement warehouses and large garden centers associated with big box stores tend to carry a limited range of common perennials, including lily of the valley. Inventory fluctuates seasonally.
Flower Shows and Markets
In some regions, flower shows and seasonal farmer’s markets offer opportunities to buy plants from various local growers in one place. Search for upcoming shows and markets in your area.
Estate Sales
Keep an eye out for estate sales in older neighborhoods, as these sometimes offer landscape plants for sale when gardens are cleared out. You may get lucky and find lily of the valley divisions being offered at bargain prices.
What to Look for When Buying Lily of the Valley
Whether ordering online or buying in person, keep these tips in mind to pick quality lily of the valley plants:
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Look for plump, healthy-looking roots or crowns free of rot, mold and pests. Avoid any that appear dried out or damaged.
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Ideally, purchase from nurseries located in plant hardiness zones similar to your own, as the plants will be better adapted to your climate.
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For potted plants, check that roots are not heavily pot-bound or root-bound. This hinders growth.
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Give preference to reputable suppliers with strong customer feedback and fair policies. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.
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Consider when purchasing so plants arrive at optimal spring planting time in your area.
How Many Lily of the Valley Plants to Buy
Lily of the valley spreads readily through underground rhizomes once planted. While it takes some years to fully establish, even a few plants can multiply into a large patch. Here are some guidelines for quantities to buy:
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For a small planting, start with at least 3-5 plants.
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To more quickly achieve a fuller look, you may want 10-25 plants.
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Limit quantities if planting in containers, as the plants compete for space. Stick to 3-5 plants.
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To establish a dense groundcover or make flower arrangements, you may want larger quantities of 25 plants or more.
Evaluate your budget, space, and needs when deciding how many lily of the valley to purchase. Start small and build up your planting over time. Divide existing plants every few years to expand your garden patch organically.
How to Plant Your New Lily of the Valley
Once you’ve acquired some lily of the valley plants for your garden, proper planting and care will set them up for success:
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Select a partially shaded planting site with rich, humus-heavy soil. Improve drainage if needed.
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For potted plants, carefully remove from containers without disturbing the roots before planting.
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For bare roots, plant as soon as possible after receiving them.
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Plant the crowns or roots 2 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart.
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Water well after planting and as needed until established.
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Apply balanced fertilizer or compost annually.
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Remove spent flowers if desired, but allow some to form seed pods.
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Every few years, lift and divide the rhizomes to control spread. Replant divisions.
With the right growing conditions and a little patience for it to settle in, lily of the valley typically thrives for years as a low-maintenance garden treasure.
Where to Buy Lily of the Valley: The Takeaway
Lily of the valley is one of the loveliest vintage flowers for shaded gardens. When sourcing these charmers for planting, you have options to buy from reputable online nurseries or quality local sources. Consider timing, budget, and quantities. Then provide proper planting conditions and care for your new lily of the valley to flourish for seasons to come. With its heavenly fragrance and delicate beauty, this flower is a worthy investment that just keeps on giving.
Types of Lily of the Valley
In addition to the typical lily of the valley species found in gardens, there are several named cultivars available, including:
- C. majalis Rosea bears rosy pink flowers.
- C. majalis Fortins Giant has larger flowers than the typical lily of the valley.
- C. majalis Flore Pleno is valued for its double flowers.
- C. majalis Hardwick Hall has a yellow outline to its leaves.
- C. majalis Albostriata has white streaks throughout the leaves.
Temperature and Humidity
Lily of the valley prefers mild conditions with average humidity. Temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees are best. The plant doesnt do well in dry, hot climates. Even in mild climates, it might die back during the hottest summer months, returning in spring.
How to Grow Lily-of-the-Valley Indoors – White Flower Farm
FAQ
When to buy lily of the valley?
Lily of the Valley does best when grown on in a pot before planting out into the garden from May – it dislikes being planted directly into cold, wet soil. Despite having a temperamental reputation, lily of the valley is easy to grow if you buy it ready potted in spring.
Why is lily of the valley so expensive?
Cost is another challenge associated with Lily of the Valley, as it’s considered a premium flower due to its rarity and the labor-intensive process of cultivation and harvesting. Its exclusivity makes it a more expensive choice compared to other floral options.
What month to plant lily of the valley?
When to Plant: Plant bare root lily of the valley in early spring while the plants are still dormant. Potted plants may be planted at any time during the growing season.
What is a lily of the valley?
Lily of the valley, or Convallaria majalis, is a fragrant shade perennial plant. Its delicate, bell-shaped flowers have been cherished for centuries in gardens and floral arrangements. Shop our lily of the valley flowers for sale today.
Where can I get free shipping on Lilly of the valley perennials products?
Get free shipping on qualified Lilly of the Valley Perennials products or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Outdoors Department.
What do Lily of the valley pips smell like?
They exude a delicate fragrance that fills the garden with sweetness. Lily of the valley’s dainty bell-shaped blooms add charming elegance. These resilient plants thrive in shaded areas, brightening even dim corners. Sweet fragrance and romantic arching blooms are the essence of spring! Shop for lily of the valley pips from Easy to Grow Bulbs.
Can Lily of the valley be planted with other plants?
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. Some plants can tolerate more acid soils than others.
How big does a lily of the Valley grow?
Lily of the valley plants produce adorable flowers with a strong scent that sends a pleasant aroma throughout your yard. With varieties that grow to be only around 6 to 8 inches tall, lily of the valley flowers look right at home in spring gardens or planted underneath trees and shrubs.
When does Lily of the valley bloom?
For most gardeners, the bloom time will be in the spring. Lily of the valley flowers bloom for about a month in late March or early April, although, in some locations, they’ll bloom well into the summer. Will Lily of the Valley Bloom in The First Year?