1. Choose the right place and the right time to plant lily of the valley

Lily of the   valley   (Convallaria majalis) is a plant that appreciates rich, fresh and well-drained soils.

It grows best under trees or shrubs, where it benefits from light or partial shade. In fact, this forest plant naturally develops in humus soils and sheltered from direct sunlight. It is therefore important to provide similar conditions in your garden.

Lily   of the valley   is generally planted in autumn, between September and November, to encourage rooting before winter and thus benefit from flowering the following spring. However, it is also possible to plant plants in pots in spring, taking care to water them regularly to ensure good recovery.

2. Prepare the soil and plant the lily of the valley seedlings or claws.

Before planting, it is essential   to prepare the soil well   to encourage the development of the lily of the valley roots.

So, you should work at a depth of about 20 to 30 centimetres, removing stones, roots and weeds. You can also amend the soil with compost or potting soil to enrich it and facilitate drainage.

Lily of the valley is propagated primarily by its   rhizomes  , called crowns, which can be purchased at a garden center or collected by dividing the clump of an established plant. To plant the claws, dig a hole about 5 centimeters deep and place the claw horizontally, making sure to spread the roots out.

Then cover with soil and tamp down lightly. The claws should be spaced 10 to 15 centimetres apart to allow the plant to spread out well.

If you opt for   potted lily of the valley plants  , all you have to do is carefully remove them from their container and plant them in a hole that is the same depth as the pot. Make sure to keep a distance of at least 10 centimetres between each plant to give them room to grow.

After planting, water thoroughly to promote rooting, then mulch the soil with dead leaves, wood chips or straw to preserve moisture and prevent weed growth.

3. Promotes abundant and fragrant flowering

Lily of the   valley   usually blooms between April and June and produces beautiful clusters of white bells with a bewitching scent.

To promote abundant flowering, several tips can be implemented:

• Regular watering:  Lily of the valley likes fresh soil, so it is important to water it regularly, especially in case of drought or extreme heat. However, be careful not to leave the soil soggy, as this can lead to root rot.
• Adding fertilizer:  Adding organic fertilizer, such as compost or rotted manure, can be beneficial in encouraging lily of the valley growth and flowering. Make this contribution in the fall or early spring, mixing it into the soil around the plants.
• Mulch:   Mulch helps maintain soil moisture and protects roots from winter cold, while limiting weed growth. Renew it every year.

4. Maintain the lily of the valley for harmonious development

Lily of the   valley   is a fairly easy plant to maintain, as long as you follow some basic rules:

• Pruning:  Lily of the valley does not usually need pruning, as its leaves naturally wither at the end of the season. However, you can cut off spent flowers to prevent them from producing seeds, which would unnecessarily exhaust the plant.
• Division:  Dividing the clump is an important step to ensure the renewal and vigour of the lily of the valley. Carry out this operation every 3 or 4 years, in autumn, taking the cuttings with a spade and replanting them immediately in the desired location.
• Disease and pest monitoring:  Lily of the valley can be prone to certain diseases, such as powdery mildew or grey rot, as well as attacks by slugs and snails. Inspect your plants regularly and treat them if necessary with suitable products.

5. Take advantage of the benefits of lily of the valley in the garden and in bouquets

Lily of the   valley   is a plant that brings many benefits to your garden:

• Aesthetics:  Its clusters of white bells and soft green foliage provide an elegant and refreshing contrast, ideal for brightening up shaded areas of your garden.
• Aroma:  The captivating scent of lily of the valley, also called the “scent of happiness”, is a real asset for creating a romantic and relaxing atmosphere in your outdoor space.
• Ground Cover:  Thanks to its rapid growth and ability to spread through its rhizomes, lily of the valley is an excellent ground cover for shady areas where grass struggles to grow.

Lily of the   valley   can also be picked to make pretty bouquets, to give as a gift, or to keep at home to enjoy its fragrance and charm. To do this, cut the stems at the base and place them quickly in fresh water. You can combine them with other flowers, such as roses or peonies, to create delicate and fragrant floral arrangements.

In short, the lily of the valley is a plant that is both beautiful and easy to care for, which will bring a touch of charm and freshness to your garden. By following these planting, flowering and maintenance tips, you will be able to make the most of its assets and share the happiness it symbolises. So don’t hesitate any longer and treat yourself to an enchanted garden thanks to the lily of the valley!