Scientific Name
Convallaria majalis
Common Name
Lily of the Valley
CONVALLARIA
majalis (White flowers)
A. Flowering Characteristics
Convallaria majalis flowers in medium spring (May) and last 2-3 weeks. Plants are 6-8 inches tall.
B. General Characteristics
1. Origin of species: Europe
2. Common names: Lily of the Valley
3. Geophyte organ: Rhizome
4. Hardiness type: Hardy III - Injured at temperatures below 5 degrees F (-15C) when planted.
5. Natural reproductive systems and growth and development requirements: Reproduces by rhizome growth and requires a warm (50 to 70F) - cool (20 to 30F) - warm (50 to 70F) annual thermoperiodic cycle.
6. Primary uses: Beds, rock gardens, and woodland gardens.
C. Cultural Information
1. Bulb sizes: No. 1 pips.
2. Planting density: 1-2 inches apart, 15-25 per sq. ft.
3. Planting depth: 3 inches to base of rhizome.
4. Planting time: Spring
5. Perennialization habit: 1990 USDA Climatic Zones3 to 6 with mulch, Zone 7 without mulch.
6. Light requirements: AM only sunlight, to 25% or 50% shade.
7. Moisture: Tolerates summer drought. Keep moist during growing season.
8. Animal susceptibility: Not susceptible.
D. Companion Plants:
Anemone pulsatilla, Anemone sylvestris, Aquilegia, Chaenomeles japonica, Dicentra, ferns, Forsythia, Helleborus orientalis, Hosta, Jasminum nudiflorum, Myosotis, Rhododendron spp. (deciduous and evergreen), Cotoneaster, Berberis, Acer palmatum, Deutzia gracilis, Weigela.

Holland Technical Service Bulletin Number 37 was prepared for the WWW system by A.A. De Hertogh, L.B. Gallitano, G. Hartley, M.E. Traer, and A.B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University. The information was obtained not only from original research conducted by the authors but also from databases released by other sources. This Bulletin was published by the International Flower Bulb Center (IBC), Hillegom, the Netherlands on behalf of the Dutch Flower Bulb Industry. Because of the various climates in North America and year-to-year variability of the weather, the IBC cannot and does not accept responsibility for divergent results that may arise using information obtained from this document or site. Photographs copyright @1997 by A.B. Russell and A.A. De Hertogh. Computer programming by Miguel Buendia, graphics by Brad Capel.