CONVALLARIA (Convalla'ria)

DESCRIPTION: This small group consists of deciduous, rhizomatous plants, which are native to the northern temperate zones, such as Europe, Asia, and North America. These popular plants are commonly known as Lily-of-the-Valley. These plants are valued as a dense ground cover and for their strong fragrance. C. majalis grows up to 6 inches high and will spread unrestrained. Therefore, make sure to plant them where they can spread freely or within the confines of a sidewalk or driveway. The wide, oval, medium to dark green leaves of the Lily-of-the-Valley begin to unfurl in the spring and last throughout the summer. In late spring, stalks containing numerous pendant, bell-shaped flowers with scalloped edges arise in the midst of the leaves. The sweet scent of these tiny flowers is so strong it literally floats on the breeze. Although most flowers of these plants are snow white, there is a double-flowered variety, a pink flowered variety, and one with variegated leaves. Lilies-of-the-Valley are traditionally used in wedding bouquets and make a lovely cut flower. They can even be forced to bloom indoors during the winter.

POTTING: Lilies-of-the-Valley can be grown from zones 3 to 7. They are hardy to minus 40º F. Plant them in the spring or fall, in moist soil improved with compost or decayed manure. They should be in a shady or partially shaded location. Set the pips (single rhizomes with growth buds) 3 inched deep and 2 to 4 inches apart. Water them well throughout the year and fertilize in the fall after the first frost. Cover them with mulch in the fall for some winter protection. To force Lilies-of-the-Valley to bloom in the winter, dig up a few pips after at least two months of cold weather. Bare pips may also be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 2 months. Then plant them in a container, just barely covering them with soil and put them in a warm place.

PROPAGATION: In the fall, the clumps can be divided into smaller portions or single pips. Replant them immediately.

VARIETIES: C. majalis & var. rosea, variegata.

These pictures are of plants that I started indoors. I live in a tropical climate unsuitable for growing these plants outside year-round. My mother sent me a bag of pips down from her garden up North. I set them in the refrigerator for several weeks and then planted them.

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