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You can grow lily of the valley plants successfully in your garden, and it’s easier than you might think once you understand their needs.
If you’ve been wondering how to grow lily of the valley plants, you’ve landed in the right place.
Lily of the valley is a beloved, fragrant ground cover that thrives in shady spots where many other plants struggle.
Growing lily of the valley plants is rewarding because they return year after year with minimal fuss.
In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to grow lily of the valley, from choosing the right location to caring for them through the seasons.
Let’s dig into the wonderful world of these dainty white bells and their lush green leaves.
How to Grow Lily of the Valley Plants: The Essential Basics
Learning how to grow lily of the valley plants starts with understanding their natural habitat.
These are woodland perennials, which means they’re happiest in conditions that mimic a forest floor—cool, moist, and shaded.
When you grow lily of the valley, you’re giving them a spot that gets dappled sunlight or full shade for most of the day.
Avoid planting them in hot, sunny areas because the leaves will scorch and the flowers will fade quickly.
So if you’re ready to grow lily of the valley, the very first rule is to think shade first, then soil.
1. Choose the Right Variety for Your Garden
There are a few different types you can grow, but the classic Convallaria majalis is the most common.
You might also find pink-flowered varieties, which are lovely, or even variegated leaf forms for added interest.
Whichever you pick, the process for how to grow lily of the valley remains the same.
Start with healthy “pips,” which are the small root divisions, and you’ll be well on your way.
2. Prepare the Soil Properly
To grow lily of the valley successfully, you need rich, well-draining soil that retains some moisture.
Amend your planting bed with plenty of organic matter, like compost or leaf mold, before you set the pips in.
This mimics the leafy forest floor they love and gives the roots a steady supply of nutrients.
A slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 7.0, is ideal for growing lily of the valley plants.
3. Plant at the Right Time
The best time to grow lily of the valley is in early spring or fall while the weather is cool.
Plant the pips about 1.5 to 2 inches deep, spacing them roughly 4 inches apart.
If you’re planting in fall, get them in the ground before the first hard freeze.
This gives the roots time to establish and then bloom the following spring.
Where to Plant Lily of the Valley for Best Results
Location is everything when you decide to grow lily of the valley, because placement dictates their long-term health.
You’ll want to pick a spot under trees, along a north-facing wall, or on the shaded side of a building.
These spots naturally provide the coolness that makes growing lily of the valley so easy.
Keep in mind that lily of the valley spreads aggressively through underground rhizomes.
So if you want to grow lily of the valley without letting it take over, plant it in a contained bed or a large pot.
4. Watering Needs for Healthy Growth
When you grow lily of the valley, you must keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy.
During dry spells, water deeply once or twice a week to help the roots stay cool.
A layer of mulch around the plants works wonders for locking in moisture.
Mulching also suppresses weeds and protects the shallow roots when you grow lily of the valley.
5. Fertilizing for Abundant Blooms
To grow lily of the valley with plenty of flowers, feed them lightly every spring.
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or top-dress with compost around the base of the plants.
Over-fertilizing can lead to lush leaves but fewer blooms, so keep it gentle.
A single feeding in early spring is enough when you grow lily of the valley in rich soil.
How to Grow Lily of the Valley in Containers
You can easily grow lily of the valley in pots if you lack garden space or want to control their spread.
Choose a wide, shallow container with good drainage holes because their roots run horizontally.
Fill the pot with a quality potting mix blended with compost, then plant the pips as you would in the ground.
Place the container in a shady spot and keep the soil evenly damp while they establish.
Growing lily of the valley in pots also lets you force blooms indoors during winter for a fragrant surprise.
6. Dealing With Pests and Diseases
Thankfully, when you grow lily of the valley, you rarely face serious pest problems.
Slugs and snails may nibble the leaves in damp weather, so handpick them at dusk if you notice damage.
Leaf spot can appear in overly wet conditions, but good airflow and proper spacing minimize this risk.
If you keep the foliage dry when watering and avoid overhead splash, you’ll grow lily of the valley with ease.
So, How to Grow Lily of the Valley Plants Without Trouble?
You can grow lily of the valley plants with confidence by giving them shade, moisture, and rich soil.
The key is to remember that they’re woodland natives that dislike heat and drought.
Plant them in spring or fall, water regularly, and feed once per year for the best show of bells.
They will reward you with a carpet of glossy leaves and heavenly scented flowers every spring.
Just be mindful of their spreading habit and their toxicity, so keep them away from pets and children.
Once you master how to grow lily of the valley, you’ll find it’s one of the most forgiving perennials around.
Happy planting, and enjoy the sweet fragrance that only these tiny blossoms can bring.