did you know?

The botanical name of lily of the valley, , is derived from the Latin meaning "valley," a reference to where these shade-loving flowers often grow.

general maintenance:

Remove spent blooms after flowering. If thick patches are flowering poorly, divide rhizomes to remedy overcrowding.

pests/diseases:

Lily of the valley is relatively carefree.

how to sow/plant:

Plant in fall or early spring. Choose a shady, well-drained site, amend with compost or well-rotted manure, and set rhizomes (also known as pips) upright 1?2 inches deep and 4?6 inches apart. Water after planting.

water and fertilize:

Maintain soil moisture all season. If grown in a fertile, humus-rich soil, no fertilization is needed. In fall, top dress with compost or well-rotted manure to encourage next year's flowering.

garden hint:

Lily of the valley requires little maintenance. In dry conditions, the leaves may yellow and dry out in midsummer. Simply cut off the leaves and mulch well for a fresh crop of blooms the next spring.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Fragrant
• Heirloom
• Shade Tolerant

garden uses:

• Containers
• Edging
• Flowerbed borders
• Ground Cover
• Shade Woodland Garden

other uses:

• Cut Flower
• Everlasting (>dry flowers in silica gel)

combine with:

other shade-loving plants, such as Solomon's seal bleeding heart and ferns.