European Lily of the Valley
Convallaria majalis
Also listed as Convallaria fragrans, Convallaria transcaucasica
Also known as Lily of the Valley, May Lily
Climate Match for your location
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A delicate woodland perennial with small, fragrant white bell-shaped flowers arranged in arching sprays above broad green leaves. Excellent groundcover for shaded areas and naturalizes readily in moist woodland settings.
Why grow it
Convallaria majalis establishes quickly as a groundcover in deep shade where many perennials struggle, tolerating competition from tree roots and poor light better than similar woodland plants. Its fragrant flowers attract early pollinators in spring, and it spreads readily once established without requiring ongoing division or maintenance, making it useful for naturalizing in woodland gardens where you want reliable coverage with minimal intervention.
Watch out for
This species can spread vigorously in ideal conditions (moist, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade), potentially outcompeting slower-growing neighbors if not monitored. Foliage tends to decline and look sparse by mid-summer in many climates, so interplanting with later-emerging perennials can help mask the bare patches as the season progresses.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native Range
Europe, Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A delicate woodland perennial with small, fragrant white bell-shaped flowers arranged in arching sprays above broad green leaves. Excellent groundcover for shaded areas and naturalizes readily in moist woodland settings.
Climate Match for your location
See how well European Lily of the Valley grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Convallaria majalis establishes quickly as a groundcover in deep shade where many perennials struggle, tolerating competition from tree roots and poor light better than similar woodland plants. Its fragrant flowers attract early pollinators in spring, and it spreads readily once established without requiring ongoing division or maintenance, making it useful for naturalizing in woodland gardens where you want reliable coverage with minimal intervention.
Watch out for
This species can spread vigorously in ideal conditions (moist, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade), potentially outcompeting slower-growing neighbors if not monitored. Foliage tends to decline and look sparse by mid-summer in many climates, so interplanting with later-emerging perennials can help mask the bare patches as the season progresses.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native Range
Europe, Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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