How to grow lily of the valley

More on growing lily of the valley:

• Shrubs that look good in April
• 20 British native wildflowers to grow
• 10 unusual perennials for shade

Find out how to grow lily of the valley in our detailed Grow Guide, below.

Where to grow lily of the valley

It is best to plant lily of the valley in moist but well drained soil in full or partial shade. It grows well under trees and it's ideal for woodland and cottage gardens – particularly for large gardens as it can be a vigorous spreader. In smaller gardens, lily of the valley can be grown in containers. Lily of the valley is also suitable to grow as ground cover under shrubs. As a British wildflower, it’s an ancient woodland indicator and the blooms are visited by bees, which collect the pollen.

How to plant lily of the valley

Newly planted lily of the valley will struggle to grow in cold, wet conditions. Plant into pots during March, then grow on under cover before planting out when the soil has warmed up. By mid-May you can plant lily of the valley out into your borders.

Caring for lily of the valley

Lily of the valley thrives in the right location without too much interference. Add a mulch of leaf mould around the base of the plants in autumn. Divide congested clumps every few years. Lily of the valley doesn’t need pruning or deadheading.

Water well after planting and keep watering regularly for the first few weeks, but ensure soil has good drainage. Plants can suffer or die in cold, waterlogged soil over the winter. Lily of the valley shouldn’t require further watering, but a good mulch will help to conserve moisture in the soil. Place outdoor plants in pots in partial shade and water regularly in dry spells, preferably with rain water.

How to propagate lily of the valley

Divide clumps of lily of the valley every few years in autumn when plants are dormant. Lift clumps with a fork and gently split the clump into individual rhizomes with roots attached, sometimes referred to as ‘pips’. Replant in the garden or pot up each rhizome in peat-free multi-purpose compost and water well. Place under cover over winter before planting out in the garden in spring.

Pests and diseases

Lily of the valley plants are generally free from pests and diseases, but they can suffer from grey moulds and leaf spots. Avoid getting water on the leaves when watering plants to minimise the risk of fungal disease.

Lily of the valley varieties to try

Convallaria majalis 'Hardwick Hall'

Convallaria majalis 'Hardwick Hall' is a variety with deep green, lance-shaped foliage with irregular cream-white stripes around the leaf edge. The flowers are larger than those of the standard Convallaria majalis.

Height x Spread: 30cm x 20cm

• Buy Convallaria majalis 'Hardwick Hall' from Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants

Convallaria majalis 'Albostriata'

Convallaria majalis 'Albostriata' is a variegated lily of the valley, with cream-striped leaves and cream-white flowers. Most variegated cultivars revert to plain leaves within a few years, but 'Albostriata' is less likely to do so. Plants don't spread so easily, which means it’s a good choice for smaller gardens

H x S: 30cm x 20cm

• Buy Convallaria majalis 'Albostriata' from Langthorns Plantery

Convallaria majalis var. rosea

Convallaria majalis var. rosea is an unusual pale pink variety of lily of the valley.

H x S: 30cm x 20cm

• Buy Convallaria majalis var. rosea from Farmer Gracy

Convallaria majalis 'Vic Pawlowski's Gold'

Convallaria majalis 'Vic Pawlowski's Gold' has cream-striped leaves and larger-than-average flowers.

H x S: 30cm x 20cm

• Buy Convallaria majalis 'Vic Pawlowski's Gold' from Farmyard Nurseries