Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)
Botanical Information
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Convallaria |
| Species | majalis |
| Category | Perennials |
| Origin | Native to Europe and Asia. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | All parts of this plant are very poisonous and contain cardiac glycosides. |
| Pronunciation |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 6a to 6b |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 6a to 6b |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H7 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | hardy to -20 |
| Temperature (°F) | hardy to 4 |
| Height | 15 - 30 cm |
| Spread | 22 - 30 cm |
| Growth | Fast |
| Flowering Period | April, May, June |
Description and Growing Information
| Shape | Upright and spreading. |
| Landscape | Groundcover, borders, rock gardens and as cut flowers. |
| Propagation | Seed and root division. |
| Cultivation | Full sun and partial-shade. Moist, fertile, organically rich and well-drained soil. |
| Pests | Aphids and spider mites may be a problem. Stem rot, leaf spot, leaf blotch and anthracnose may appear. |
| Notable Specimens | The A.M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada. |
| Leaf Description | 2 - 3 parallel-veined lanceolate-ovate to elliptic leaves that are 12 - 25 cm long and 2 - 8 cm wide. Erect to slightly arching stems. |
| Flower Description | 1-sided raceme that are 10 - 22 cm long, nodding, bell-shaped, sweetly fragrant flowers that are 8 mm long which bloom in early to mid-spring. Each raceme contains 5 - 10 flowers. |
| Fruit Description | Globoid berries that may appear in autumn. Each berry contains 1 - 6 seeds. |
| Colour Description | The leaves are green. The flowers are white. The berries are orangish-red. |
Photographs
Convallaria majalis 'Striata'.
Convallaria majalis var. rosea.
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