Care of the rhizomatous plant Convallaria majalis or Lily of the valley |
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The genus Convallaria, family Asparagaceae, includes 3 species of rhizomatous plants native to the Northern Hemisphere. The species are: Convallaria majalis, Convallaria montana and Convallaria keiskei. Common names: Lily of the valley, Mary's tears, May bells, Our Lady's tears. They are perennial plants with branched and very invasive rhizomes that reach 30 cm (11.8") in height. The leaves are lanceolate or elliptical in shape. The flowers are small white snowdrops that appear at the end of the flower stem. They produce a pleasant perfume. They bloom in spring. They are used in pots to decorate terraces to enjoy their pleasant aroma. In the garden they are ideal to form beds under trees. Convallaria majalis needs a shady or semi-shaded exposure with mild temperatures. The soil must be rich in organic matter and contain peat so that it is well drained. Water moderately, waiting until the soil has dried. They are sensitive to Botrytis attacks caused by overwatering. They can propagate after summer by division of the rhizome. |
Images of the rhizomatous plant Convallaria majalis or Lily of the valley |
 Convallaria majalis  Convallaria majalis |