Convalleria Majalis

European Lily-of-the-Valley, Lily-of-the-Valley

Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley) is a timeless, shade-loving perennial celebrated for its intensely fragrant, nodding white bell-shaped flowers and lush spring foliage. It’s a classic solution for difficult shady areas and naturalizes readily to form a dense groundcover.


Plant Profile
Type: Herbaceous perennial groundcover

Mature Size:



Height: 6–10 in.



Width: Spreads by rhizomes; forms broad colonies over time



Bloom:



Small, waxy white bells on arching stems



Strong, sweet fragrance



Mid to late spring



Foliage:



Broad, lance-shaped, medium green leaves



Attractive through early summer



Zones: 3a–8b
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained soils; tolerant of clay
Water: Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil

Plant type

Perennial

Height

4"-8"

Width

8-12''

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Late Spring, Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green, Yellow Green

Soil

Clay, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Groundcover

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No