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Lily of the valley is a spring-flowering bulb that produces dainty little bell-shaped flowers with a heady, sweet fragrance. Although lily of the valley is extremely easy to grow (and may even become aggressive), occasional division is necessary to prevent the plant from becoming unhealthy and overcrowded. Dividing lily of the valley is simple, doesn’t take a lot of time, and the payoff is a more attractive plant with large, healthy blooms. Read on to learn how to divide a lily of the valley.
Lily of the valley is a lovely spring-blooming flower that is cherished for its sweet fragrance and delicate nodding white bell-shaped flowers This hardy perennial spreads readily and can quickly take over a garden bed That’s why gardeners often find themselves needing to transplant patches of lily of the valley to keep it contained.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully transplanting lily of the valley, including:
When to Transplant Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley can be transplanted anytime during the growing season, but the best times are either early spring before growth resumes or fall after foliage has died back. Spring and fall transplanting allows the lily of the valley to establish new roots before going dormant or starting new growth.
Transplanting in summer is also possible as long as you are diligent about watering the newly planted pips. Just be aware that summer transplanting runs a higher risk of transplant shock.
How to Prepare for Transplanting
Before you start digging, water the lily of the valley patch thoroughly a day or two before transplanting. This will make it easier to dig up the root mass.
Have the new planting holes prepared ahead of time in the new location. Space holes about 4 inches apart. Amend the soil with compost or peat moss to improve drainage and nutrients.
Digging Up the Lily of the Valley
Use a garden fork or shovel to loosen the soil and lift out sections of lily of the valley. Try to keep clumps intact as much as possible.
Gently shake or hose off excess soil so you can see the spreading rhizomes (called pips). Tease apart any congested sections so there is room for new growth.
Trim off any damaged roots or stems with clean, sharp pruners or scissors.
How to Replant Lily of the Valley
Place a section of lily of the valley in each prepped hole, positioning the crown just below the soil surface. Fill holes with amended soil, firming the soil gently around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting. Add 2-3 inches of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Aftercare
Keep the transplants consistently moist, but not soggy wet, for the first few weeks after transplanting. Aim for about an inch of water per week from rain or irrigation.
Monitor lily of the valley patches for any signs of transplant shock like wilting, yellowing leaves or slow growth. Transplant shock can last a few weeks until the new root system becomes established.
Fertilize established plantings in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer to encourage lush growth. Cut off any unsightly foliage in late fall after plants go dormant.
Transplanting Tips and Tricks
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Larger clumps or patches can be divided into smaller sections for transplanting. Just be sure each division has some roots and crowns.
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Transplant on a cloudy day or in late afternoon to avoid hot sun.
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Keep a perimeter of mulch around transplants to retain moisture and limit weed competition. Replenish as needed.
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Water the plants using a watering can with a rose attachment to avoid disturbing the new roots.
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Mark transplant locations with plant tags until you can remember placement. This prevents accidentally digging in the wrong spot later.
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Feed transplants with compost tea or fish emulsion a few weeks after transplanting to give them a nutrient boost.
Troubleshooting Transplant Issues
Slow growth: This is normal right after transplanting. Be patient and allow lily of the valley time to recover from disturbance and generate new roots before pushing top growth.
Few or no flowers: Transplant shock can sometimes cause lily of the valley to skip a season of flowering. Proper aftercare should lead to reblooming the following year.
Wilting/dieback: Ensure transplants are getting adequate water and are not planted too deeply. Rule out disease or pests on affected plants.
Failure to thrive: Poor drainage, deep planting, or inadequate moisture are common causes. Review growing conditions and make adjustments as needed.
With proper timing, care, and patience, transplanting lily of the valley can be quite successful. Follow these tips for moving this sweet spring flower with minimal stress or setback. Let us know if you have any other transplanting tricks for lily of the valley!
How to Divide a Lily of the Valley
Water the plants a day or two ahead of time. Trim taller leaves and stalks down to about 5 or 6 inches (12-15 cm.). Then, dig the rhizomes (also known as pips) with a trowel, spade, or garden fork. Dig carefully about 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm.) around the clump to avoid cutting into the bulbs. Lift the bulbs carefully from the ground. Pull the pips apart gently with your hands or divide them with a trowel or other sharp garden tool. If necessary, snip through tangled roots with garden shears. Discard any pips that appear soft, rotten, or unhealthy. Plant the divided pips immediately into a shady spot where the soil has been amended with compost or well-rotted manure. Allow 4 or 5 inches (10-13 cm.) between each pip. If you are planting an entire clump, allow 1 to 2 feet (31-61 cm.). Water well until the area is evenly moist but not saturated.
When to Split Lily of the Valley
The optimum time for lily of the valley division is when the plant is dormant in spring or fall. Separating lily of the valleys after flowering ensures the plant’s energy is available for creation of roots and leaves. Divide lily of the valley four to six weeks before the first average hard freeze date in your area. This way, there is ample time for healthy root development before the ground freezes.
How to Transplant Lily of the Valley
FAQ
Does lily of the valley transplant well?
The plant itself is extremely resilient and hardy, so there is no need to worry when transplanting lily of the valley. A rapid spreader, people find themselves moving lily of the valley all the time with no ill effects to the plant.
How do you dig up lily of the valley?
Use your garden spade to dig up the plants and rhizomes then use the rake to remove any pieces. You should sift through the soil with gloved hands to be sure and remove smaller pieces the rake missed. In order to eliminate the unwanted plants, you must completely remove the rhizomes.
Can lilies be dug up and replanted?
This doesn’t have to be done every year, but you should undertake the task every 2 to 3 years for the best lily stands. If you are in doubt as to the best time to transplant lilies, dig them up when the foliage starts to yellow and proceed to separate and replant them.
Where is the best place to plant lily of the valley?
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Sunlight:Lily of the valley prefers light to moderate shade, tolerating full shade as well.
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Soil:It needs moist but well-drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral in pH.
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Location:
- Under trees or shrubs
- Against the foundation of a building
- Around a water feature
- On steep banks or uneven terrain
- In shady areas where few other plants grow
- Under trees or shrubs
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Planting:
- Plant in early spring
- Plant pips (bulbous roots) with the tops barely poking above the soil surface, about 4″ apart.
- Snip the last inch off the roots before planting to encourage moisture uptake.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Plant in early spring
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Maintenance:
- Provide supplemental water as needed, especially during dry periods.
- Mulch to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
- Remove spent blooms to encourage continued flowering.
- Divide clumps in the fall to propagate.
- Provide supplemental water as needed, especially during dry periods.
Can You transplant Lily of the valley?
Transplanting Lily of the Valley can be a great way to propagate and relocate these beautiful plants. The best time to transplant Lily of the Valley is in the fall or early spring. To prepare for transplanting, make sure to water the plant well and dig up the entire root system.
Can Lily of the valley pips be transplanted?
If you don’t catch the plants early enough it’s still okay, you can transplant at any time during the growth period successfully, as these plants are very hardy. Lily of the Valley pips can be planted individually or en masse, especially if dug up as a clump.
Can lilies be transplanted?
Once your lilies cuttings have developed robust root systems through water propagation, you have the option to transplant them into soil. Select a suitable potting mix based on the requirements of your lilies. Gently remove the cuttings from the water, being careful not to damage the delicate roots, and plant them in moist soil.