The irresistible charm of lily of the valley is hard to match. This lovely groundcover woos us with its elusive scent and scallop-edged, bell-shaped blooms dangling above emerald foliage. Though tough to beat, several plants mimic the delicate beauty of lily of the valley.

At Gardenia Inc, we adore the elegance of this classic perennial. However, its aggressive spreading makes lily of the valley problematic in some regions. Read on as we explore splendid alternatives that echo the grace of lily of the valley without the invasiveness.

An Overview of Lily of the Valley

Lily of the valley, known botanically as Convallaria majalis, belongs to the asparagus family. This Eurasian native thrives in shady nooks, bearing its common name from the Latin words Vallis (valley) and Majalis (May-blooming).

In spring, dainty yet intensely fragrant blooms line the stems for weeks. Bright red berries follow in fall. Despite a petite stature, barely reaching 10 inches, lily of the valley spreads stubbornly. It frequently becomes invasive, colonizing vast swaths of forest.

Numerous cultivars exist, including:

• ‘Rosea’ – Rosy pink blooms
• ‘Flore Pleno’ – Larger double-bell flowers
• ‘Fortin’s Giant’ – Outsized blooms
• ‘Hardwick Hall’ – Vigorous grower with yellow-chartreuse edged leaves
• ‘Albostriata’ – Open habit, white-streaked leaves
• ‘Albomarginata’ – Dark foliage edged in white
• ‘Bordeaux’ – Grows up to 12 inches with bigger blooms

Next, let’s explore some stellar plants that mirror the loveliness of lily of the valley without the aggression.

1. Japanese Pieris

Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica) also called lily-of-the-valley shrub, lives up to its name with pendant clusters of bells resembling Convallaria. This broadleaf evergreen provides year-round appeal opening with reddish-bronze new growth that matures to glossy green.

In late winter, purplish buds become drooping creamy or pale pink blooms. Slow growing, it works nicely for hedges, foundation plantings, or shrub borders. Japanese pieris thrives in moist, organically rich soil in sun to part shade.

2. Snowdrops

Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) are cheerful harbingers of spring often peeking through snowfall. These 10-inch bulbs display pristine bell-shaped blooms on leafless stalks above gray-green foliage as winter wanes.

Once established, snowdrops lift spirits in late winter. They require minimal care in full sun to partial shade with good drainage. Plant in masses, drifts, patios, rock gardens, or under trees.

3. Ladybells

Ladybells (Adenophora bulleyana) are perennials in the Campanula family, flaunting bell-shaped periwinkle blooms on spikes in late spring. Common ladybells reach 24-36 inches tall, while compact species like lilyleaf ladybells stay under 18 inches.

Ladybells thrive in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Charming in cottage, prairie, or woodland gardens, their blooms draw butterflies.

4. Fetterbush

Fetterbush (Pieris floribunda) is prized for fragrant bell-shaped blooms dangling along arching branches. Ranging white to blush pink, the blooms perfume the air throughout spring into early summer.

At home in bogs and wetlands, fetterbush reaches 3-6 feet tall and wide. It needs consistent moisture and partial shade. Use it along ponds, streams, or in woodland or cottage gardens. Note that, like lily of the valley, fetterbush is toxic if ingested.

5. Twinflower

Twinflower (Linnaea borealis) gets its name from paired pink and white bell-like blooms on slender double stalks. Round paired leaves echo the twin theme. Highly fragrant, the blooms appear in summer and last about a week.

At 10 inches tall, twinflower spreads readily, making a lush evergreen groundcover. A native of northern forests, it adapts well to home gardens and looks fantastic massed in wildflower plantings.

6. Swamp Doghobble

Swamp doghobble (Eubotrys racemosa), also called swamp sweetbells, has a weeping effect from white bell-shaped blooms weighing down the branches. It thrives along wetlands, streams, and in swamps or woodlands.

Though preferring shade, swamp doghobble tolerates full sun with sufficient moisture. Use it in shrub borders, cottage gardens, or native plantings near water. As with lily of the valley, it is poisonous if ingested.

7. Spring Snowflake

Spring snowflake (Leucojum vernum) delivers nodding, bell-shaped blooms with white petals and yellow-tipped centres. Like lily of the valley, it reaches just 10 inches in height given consistent moisture and well-drained soil.

An easy grower, spring snowflake thrives in full sun to part shade. Plant in sweeps and drifts to mimic spring snowfall. It earns awards for its cheerful blooms on upright stems.

8. Peach-Leaved Bellflower

Peach-leaved bellflower (Campanula persicifolia) is a fast-growing perennial flaunting abundant blue, white, or lilac bells dancing atop vibrant foliage in summer. It reaches 2 feet tall and appreciates full sun to partial shade with reliably moist soil.

Give this long-blooming plant room to shine by planting in groups. It adds bold splashes of color to perennial borders, cottage gardens, and containers, attracting butterflies.

9. Solomon’s Seal

Variegated Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’) brings graceful, arching stems adorned with pairs of dangling, bell-shaped white blooms. The leaves showcase dark green centers with crisp white margins.

This carefree perennial thrives in part to full shade, reaching just 1 foot in height. It naturalizes nicely to form a lush groundcover. Variegated Solomon’s seal pops beautifully against its foliage.

10. Canterbury Bells

Canterbury bells (Campanula medium) flaunt abundant, wide open bell-shaped blooms up to 3 inches across. Colours range from blue, pink, purple and white. Canterbury bells act like larger versions of lily of the valley.

These fast growing biennials or short lived perennials reach 3 feet tall. For best results, plant in full sun to part shade in rich, well-drained soil. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

11. Summer Snowflake

Summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum) closely resembles its cousin the spring snowflake, bearing nodding, bell-shaped blossoms. However, summer snowflake grows significantly larger, reaching up to 24 inches in height.

Provide it with partial shade and moist soil for best results. Plant en masse for a spectacular display. Summer snowflake naturalizes easily.

Conclusion

While lily of the valley charms the spring garden, some attractive alternatives bloom in summer. Spanning ground covers, perennials, bulbs, and shrubs, these selections echo the elegance of Convallaria without its aggressive spreading habit.

We hope these ideas inspire you to try some fresh options with the graceful charm of lily of the valley. Let us know if you have a favorite Convallaria lookalike we should add to our list!

Summer snowflake and lily of the valley, while both boasting delicate, white, bell-shaped flowers, are distinct plants with different characteristics. Summer snowflake, with its nodding, green-tipped flowers, is a taller, more robust plant that naturalizes well and is more tolerant of various soil and light conditions.