How Do You Get Rid Of Lilies Of The Valley

You can get rid of lilies of the valley, but it takes persistence and a multi-pronged approach because these plants are incredibly tough.

If you’ve ever tried to pull them up by hand, you know they snap off at the surface while the real problem—the rhizomes—stays hidden underground.

Getting rid of lilies of the valley for good means attacking the root system, smothering the leaves, and often repeating the process over a season or two.

In this post, we’ll break down the most effective ways to get rid of lilies of the valley, from digging to herbicides, and share tips to keep them from coming back.

Let’s dig in.

Why Getting Rid Of Lilies Of The Valley Is So Hard

Lilies of the valley are beautiful, but they’re also one of the most stubborn garden invaders you’ll ever meet.

The reason getting rid of lilies of the valley is so challenging comes down to their underground network.

These plants spread through rhizomes—thick, white, finger-like roots that can travel several feet in every direction.

Even a tiny piece of rhizome left behind can sprout a whole new plant, which is why casual pulling rarely works.

To successfully get rid of lilies of the valley, you have to understand this root system and work against it deliberately.

1. The Rhizome Network Is Relentless

Lilies of the valley don’t rely on seeds alone to spread.

Their rhizomes creep horizontally just beneath the soil surface, sending up new shoots as they go.

This means that when you see a patch of lilies of the valley, the actual plant is far larger than what you see above ground.

And here’s the kicker: if you break a rhizome while digging, each broken piece can regenerate.

That’s why getting rid of lilies of the valley isn’t a one-time job—it’s a campaign.

2. They Thrive in Shady, Moist Spots

Lilies of the valley love the same conditions that make other plants struggle.

They flourish in partial to full shade and prefer soil that stays consistently moist.

If you’re trying to get rid of lilies of the valley, you can’t just “starve them out” because they’re already in their happy place.

You’ll need to change the environment or outmaneuver them with targeted removal methods.

How To Get Rid Of Lilies Of The Valley By Digging

If you want to get rid of lilies of the valley without chemicals, digging is your best bet.

But effective digging requires more than just yanking on the leaves.

1. Dig When Soil Is Moist, Not Soggy

The best time to dig up lilies of the valley is after a good rain or a day after watering.

Moist soil holds together better, which means you’re more likely to pull out whole rhizomes instead of snapping them.

Avoid digging when the ground is bone dry or waterlogged.

Soggy soil turns to mud and makes it harder to sift through for every root piece.

2. Use a Garden Fork, Not a Trowel

A small trowel is fine for seedlings, but to get rid of lilies of the valley, you need a garden fork.

Insert the fork deep—at least 8 to 10 inches—and gently pry upward to loosen the entire root mass.

Then, use your hands or a hand rake to pull out every rhizome you can see.

Sift through the soil carefully, because even a half-inch chunk of rhizome left behind will regrow.

3. Repeat Digging Every Few Weeks

After your first big dig, you won’t be done.

New shoots will pop up from any missed rhizomes, and that’s actually a good sign.

Each new shoot marks exactly where you need to dig again.

Keep repeating this process every two to three weeks through the growing season.

With persistence, you can get rid of lilies of the valley in one to two seasons this way.

How To Get Rid Of Lilies Of The Valley By Smothering

Smothering is another effective method if you have a large patch and don’t mind waiting a bit longer.

To get rid of lilies of the valley by smothering, you cut off all light and oxygen so the rhizomes eventually die.

1. Cut Leaves Down First

Start by cutting all the leaves and stems as close to the ground as possible.

This removes the plant’s ability to photosynthesize, which weakens the rhizomes.

Use shears or a string trimmer, and then rake up the debris.

2. Layer Cardboard and Mulch

Lay down several layers of thick, corrugated cardboard directly over the cut area.

Overlap the edges by at least six inches so no light can slip through.

Then, cover the cardboard with 4 to 6 inches of wood chips or heavy mulch.

This combination blocks light and creates a barrier that rhizomes can’t easily push through.

Leave it in place for at least one full growing season.

Check periodically for any shoots that manage to escape along the edges, and remove them by hand.

3. Consider a Black Plastic Barrier

If you want a faster smother, use black plastic sheeting instead of cardboard.

Spread the plastic over the cut-down lilies of the valley and weigh down the edges with bricks or staples.

The heat and lack of light will kill the rhizomes faster than cardboard alone.

But be warned—the plastic will also kill any nearby desirable plants if it covers their roots.

Using Herbicides To Get Rid Of Lilies Of The Valley

When digging and smothering aren’t practical, herbicides can help you get rid of lilies of the valley.

You’ll want a non-selective herbicide containing glyphosate, applied carefully to avoid drift.

1. Choose a Systemic Herbicide

Systemic herbicides are absorbed through the leaves and travel down into the rhizomes.

This is crucial because a contact-only spray will just burn the tops while leaving the roots alive.

Look for a product with glyphosate as the active ingredient, and follow the label directions precisely.

2. Spray in Late Spring or Early Fall

The best time to spray lilies of the valley is when they’re actively growing—usually late spring after full leaf expansion, or early fall.

During these periods, the plant is sending energy downward to the roots, which helps the herbicide move deeper.

Avoid spraying in hot, windy weather, because the chemical can drift onto your other plants.

3. Expect Multiple Applications

One spray won’t get rid of lilies of the valley completely.

Rhizomes are tough, and some will survive to send up new shoots weeks later.

Wait at least three to four weeks between applications, and respray any regrowth you see.

In many cases, it takes two to three treatments spread over a season to fully eliminate the plant.

So, How Do You Get Rid Of Lilies Of The Valley?

You get rid of lilies of the valley by combining methods, repeating them, and staying patient.

Digging with a fork, smothering with cardboard, and applying systemic herbicide are the three proven ways to win.

The key to getting rid of lilies of the valley isn’t a miracle solution—it’s consistency.

Whichever method you choose, keep at it, because these plants will test your patience.

But with time, you can reclaim your garden from them for good.

Hope this guide helps you get rid of lilies of the valley and enjoy a flower bed that’s truly yours.