Flower Bios of the Month

ARCHIVES
REPRESENTATIVE FLOWER OF THE MONTH
MAY, 2000

LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY (Convallaria Majalis)

Lily-Of-The-Valley

Meaning:

Purity and Humility, Tears of the Virgin Mary, Sweetness and Renewed Happiness, "Let us make up!" , Flower of Spring

Legend:

Much used in bridal arrangements for their sweet perfume. Traditionally associated with May 1st, especially in France where the "muguet" is handed out at special events

Companion Birthstone:

Emerald

Lily-Of-The-Valley Faqs:

First cultivated in 1420 and is a native to the temperate zones of Eurasia. Common name for perennial herbs of the genus Convallaria, of the family Liliaceae

Lilies of the valley flourish in Zones 3-7 in partial to quite dense shade, but are at their best in light shade and rich, moist soil. They are often used in beds around the base of trees and are effective in small, shaded areas. Plants live for decades in cool climates but die out quickly where summers are hot.

The leaves are tongue-shaped, parallel-veined, and arise from ground level in late spring and die back by mid-fall. The fruit is a red berry. Flowers are tiny white bells (occasionally other colours) hanging from a single erect stem about 30 cm (about 12 in) tall. Because of their fragrance, the flowers are used in manufacture of perfume.

In cultivation, the lily of the valley is usually propagated from the terminal buds, called pips, of the underground rootstock. Once established, populations tend to persist with great tenacity.

Plant "pips" (the little "eyes" or shoots that appear along the roots) in very early spring or in fall, setting them about 4 inches apart, or plant 6- to 8-inch sods with their centres about 1 foot apart at any time the ground can be worked.

Propagate by digging up and dividing pips when plants are dormant in early spring or fall.

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