A small genus of groundcover perennials that are part of the much larger Liliacaea ( Lily ) family. They are deer resistant. Lily of the Valley can be used to line woodland pathways or as groundcover ...recommended to plant them 1 foot apart. They can be propagated from dividing the rhizomes. A stem bearing 2 leaves grows from each rhizome eye. When dividing the clumps, be careful to leave at least 1 eye on each rhizome division piece which should then be planted at the same depth it was originally.
Insect pests and disease problems are rare, and they tolerate drought and tree root competition. Lily of the Valley is also deer resistant.
Convallaria keiskei
Similar to Convallaria majalis but is native to eastern Asia and Japan rather than Europe. It forms a groundcover perennial, reaching up to 1 x 4 feet.
Convallaria majalis ( Lily of the Valley )
A very attractive, very long lived, rhizomatous, fast spreading but not invasive perennial.
After many years plants can spread to form a clump up to 1 x 4 feet in size though can be easily contained.
The vertically veined, broad elliptical leaves are shiny dark green and up to 10 x 4 inches. The leaves are paired on the stem.
The strongly fragrant, noodling, white, bell-shaped flowers are borne on drooping racemes during mid to late spring.
The flowers are followed by shiny orange or red berries.
Hardy zones 1 to 7 in partial to full shade, preferring well drained, acidic, fertile moist soil. Applying a layer of organic compost at the end of autumn is like rocket fuel for growth the following year. Propagation is from division, replanting the rhizomes shallow but firm during autumn.
* photo taken on annual Horticultural Society of Maryland Garden Tour - June 6 2010
* photos taken on May 8 2011 in Columbia, MD
* photos of unknown internet source
* photos taken on May 17 2012 in Columbia, MD
Albostriata
Leaves striped white along the veins.
* photo of unknown internet source
Aureovariegata
Foliage is narrowly striped yellow along the veins
Floro Pleno
Double white flowers
Fortins Giant
Vigorous selection reaching up to 20 inches in height, with wider foliage and larger flowers.
Hardwick Hall
Reaching up to 10 inches in height with broad, deep green foliage margined pale greenish-yellow.
Rosea
Pink flowers
Rosea Plena
Double pink blooms.
Vic Pawlowskis Gold
Leaves closely striped light yellow or white.
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