How To Get Rid Of Spreading Lily Of The Valley

Getting rid of spreading lily of the valley requires persistence, the right technique, and a bit of elbow grease.
 
If you’ve been battling this fragrant but ferocious ground cover, you already know how quickly it can take over a garden bed.
 
The key to winning the fight against spreading lily of the valley is understanding how it spreads and then targeting its root system with a multi-pronged approach.
 
In this post, we’ll walk you through the most effective ways to get rid of spreading lily of the valley, from simple digging to smarter smothering tricks.
 
Let’s dig in and reclaim your garden from this tenacious perennial.
 

Why Spreading Lily Of The Valley Is So Hard to Get Rid Of

To effectively get rid of spreading lily of the valley, you first need to know why it’s such a stubborn opponent.
 
This plant doesn’t rely on seeds alone; it spreads aggressively through underground stems called rhizomes.
 
These rhizomes can travel several feet under the soil, popping up new shoots far away from the original clump.
 
Even a tiny piece of root left behind can regenerate into a whole new plant, which is why getting rid of spreading lily of the valley feels like a never-ending chore.
 
The good news is that with a consistent strategy, you can absolutely get rid of spreading lily of the valley for good.
 
Here are the most reliable methods.
 

1. Digging Up the Rhizomes

The most direct way to get rid of spreading lily of the valley is to dig up the entire root system.
 
Wait until the soil is moist, like after a good rain, because this makes the rhizomes easier to pull out without snapping.
 
Use a garden fork or a sharp spade to loosen the soil around the patch, then gently lift the clump.
 
Shake off as much dirt as you can so you can see the white, wiry rhizomes clearly.
 
The key to getting rid of spreading lily of the valley with this method is to remove every last piece of root.
 
You’ll need to sift through the soil by hand to catch any broken fragments.
 
Place all the plant material in a trash bag—never compost it, as the rhizomes can survive and spread.
 

2. Smothering with Cardboard and Mulch

If the patch is large, smothering is a fantastic way to get rid of spreading lily of the valley without all that digging.
 
This method works by cutting off the plant’s access to sunlight, which gradually starves the rhizomes.
 
Start by mowing or cutting the lily of the valley down to the ground level.
 
Then, lay down several layers of thick cardboard, overlapping the edges so no light can sneak through.
 
Soak the cardboard thoroughly with water to help it hug the ground and start breaking down.
 
Cover the cardboard with at least 4 to 6 inches of wood chips, compost, or shredded bark.
 
You’ll need to leave this barrier in place for at least one full growing season to truly get rid of spreading lily of the valley.
 
Check periodically for any shoots that try to escape along the edges, and pull them as soon as you spot them.
 

3. Using Herbicides on Spreading Lily Of The Valley

For those truly stubborn infestations, a targeted herbicide can be the most effective method to get rid of spreading lily of the valley.
 
Look for a non-selective herbicide containing glyphosate, which travels down to the roots and kills the entire plant.
 
Timing is critical here, so apply it in late spring or early fall when the plant is actively sending energy down to its roots.
 
You can paint the herbicide directly onto the leaves with a brush to avoid spraying nearby desirable plants.
 
Be patient, as it can take a couple of weeks for the leaves to yellow and die.
 
You may need to reapply a second time to fully get rid of spreading lily of the valley, as some resilient rhizomes might survive the first application.
 
Always follow the label instructions carefully and keep pets and kids away from treated areas.
 

Preventing Spreading Lily Of The Valley From Coming Back

Once you’ve managed to get rid of spreading lily of the valley, the real work begins with keeping it away.
 
This plant is incredibly opportunistic, so you need to stay vigilant.
 
Here’s how to make sure your hard work doesn’t go to waste.
 

1. Install a Physical Barrier

One of the smartest ways to prevent spreading lily of the valley from returning is to install a physical barrier around your garden beds.
 
Bury a sheet of solid plastic or metal edging vertically into the soil, at least 12 to 18 inches deep.
 
This will stop the underground rhizomes from creeping into your flower beds from a neighbor’s yard.
 
Make sure the barrier extends a few inches above the soil line as well to block any surface runners.
 
It’s a labor-intensive setup, but it’s a one-time investment that saves you years of pulling weeds.
 

2. Regularly Inspect and Pull New Shoots

To permanently get rid of spreading lily of the valley, you must commit to regular inspections.
 
Set a reminder to walk through the area every couple of weeks during the growing season.
 
When you see a new green shoot, pull it out immediately, root and all.
 
After a few months of diligent pulling, the rhizomes will deplete their energy reserves and stop trying to sprout.
 
This ongoing maintenance is the secret to truly getting rid of spreading lily of the valley for good.
 

3. Consider Replacing with a Clumping Alternative

Sometimes the best way to get rid of spreading lily of the valley is to replace it with a well-behaved plant that can compete for space.
 
After you’ve removed the infestation, plant a dense, clumping ground cover that won’t spread invasively.
 
Hostas, coral bells, or wild ginger are excellent choices that offer similar shade tolerance but grow politely in clumps.
 
These alternatives will fill in the bare soil, leaving no open ground for any lingering lily of the valley seeds or roots to seize.
 

So, How To Get Rid Of Spreading Lily Of The Valley?

You can absolutely get rid of spreading lily of the valley, but only if you’re willing to be persistent and thorough.
 
The most effective approach combines manual digging with a smothering layer or a targeted herbicide application.
 
Start by removing as many rhizomes as you can, then follow up with a barrier and regular monitoring.
 
Remember, getting rid of spreading lily of the valley isn’t a one-time job; it’s a season-long commitment.
 
But with the steps we’ve covered, you’ll finally be able to outsmart this lovely but invasive plant and enjoy a garden that’s truly your own.
 
Now grab your gloves, arm yourself with a shovel, and show that lilac-scented invader who’s boss.