Does it spread quickly?

Yes, it forms dense colonies over time through its creeping root system.

Can I grow it in full sun?

It prefers partial to full shade and will likely scorch in hot, direct sun.

Plant guide

Lily of the Valley.

Convallaria majalis

Pronounced kon-vuh-LAIR-ee-uh muh-JAY-liss

Also known as European Lily Of The Valley, European lily-of-the-valley, Lily of The Valley, Lily-of-the-valley

European lily of the valley — Photo by J V (CC BY) via iNaturalist

Lily of the Valley is a charming woodland perennial known for its sweet scent and delicate bell shaped flowers. It spreads through underground rhizomes to form a lush carpet in shaded garden spots. You will love how these tiny blooms brighten up the spring landscape.

Another photo of Lily of the Valley — Photo by Виктория Билоус (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Indoor light: Medium light
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 6 to 12 inches
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 8
Bloom time: Mid to late spring

Care

Plant these in a spot with partial shade and consistently moist soil to help them thrive. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves which can indicate the soil is drying out too much. They are quite hardy and will naturally spread over time.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer once in early spring as new growth emerges.
Pruning: Trim back dead foliage in late autumn after the first frost.
Repotting: Divide the rhizomes every few years to manage spread and keep the patch healthy.
Soil: Rich, moist, well draining soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
Temperature: -30 to 25°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, long-lived if conditions are right.
Fragrance: Strong
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots circling the bottom of the pot
Reduced flowering over several seasons

Safety

People: This plant contains cardiac glycosides that are dangerous to humans and pets if consumed.
Pets: This plant is highly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant away from children as the bright red berries are attractive but poisonous.
Contact allergens: Handling the plant may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals due to sap.
Airborne allergens: The intense fragrance can trigger headaches or respiratory discomfort in some people.
Edibility: All parts of this plant are highly toxic if ingested and can cause severe heart irregularities.

How to identify it

Fragrant white bell shaped flowers
Broad lance shaped green leaves
Red berries appear after flowering
Spreads via underground rhizomes

Height: 0.15 to 0.3m
Spread: 0.2 to 0.45m
Leaves: medium green, deciduous
Flowers: white, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: red, late summer

Problems to watch for

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: The foliage will naturally die back to the ground in autumn. No special protection is needed as the rhizomes are very hardy.
In containers: It grows well in wide, shallow pots but requires consistent moisture.

Division

Wait until the plant is dormant in late autumn or early spring.
Carefully dig up the clump of rhizomes.
Gently pull apart the pips, ensuring each section has roots attached.
Replant the pips about 10 cm apart in rich, moist soil.

Plant them in areas where their spread can be contained by paths or walls to prevent them from overtaking smaller perennials.

Grows well with

Hosta · They share similar shade and moisture requirements.
Bleeding Heart · They provide a lovely textural contrast in spring shade gardens.
Ferns · Ferns offer a permanent green backdrop once the lily foliage fades.

Similar species

Solomon's Seal · It has similar arching stems and bell shaped flowers.

Science

Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Convallaria
Order: Asparagales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Cool temperate regions of Europe and Asia.
Conservation: It is protected in some parts of its native range due to overharvesting.

It thrives in the dappled light of deciduous woodlands where it forms dense, moisture-retentive mats.

Value to wildlife: early season nectar source
Pollinators: bees
Uses: ground cover, shade garden, fragrant border

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 3/9
Temperature: 4/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it spread quickly?: Yes, it forms dense colonies over time through its creeping root system.
Can I grow it in full sun?: It prefers partial to full shade and will likely scorch in hot, direct sun.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Convallaria comes from the Latin for valley, while majalis refers to the month of May when it blooms.

Good to know

It is the national flower of Finland.
The plant spreads via underground rhizomes called pips.
It was used in the wedding bouquets of both Queen Victoria and Kate Middleton.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.