Grow White Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis), a fragrant woodland perennial in the Asparagaceae family, known for its delicate, bell-shaped white flowers and lush green foliage. This hardy, shade-loving plant spreads naturally through underground rhizomes, forming an attractive ground cover that returns year after year. Its sweetly scented spring blooms make it a beautiful choice for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and containers.
Why Choose These Pips
- Produces delicate, fragrant white bell-shaped flowers
- Hardy perennial that returns and multiplies year after year
- Spreads naturally to create lush, attractive ground cover
- Thrives in shade and partial shade where many flowers struggle
- Perfect for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and containers
At a Glance
| Plant |
Convallaria majalis (White Lily of the Valley) |
| Order content |
15+ | 30+ pips (bulbous roots) |
| Family |
Asparagaceae |
| Origin |
Europe and temperate Asia |
| Natural habitat |
Shaded woodlands and forest floors |
| Plant type |
Hardy perennial with creeping rhizomes |
| Best for |
Ground cover, woodland gardens, shaded borders, containers |
| Light |
Partial shade to full shade |
| Flower color |
White |
| Success starts with |
Moist, humus-rich soil, shade, regular watering, and room to spread |
How to Start
- Choose a shaded or partially shaded location with fertile, well-drained soil.
- Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and adding compost or organic matter.
- Plant each pip with the roots spread gently downward and the growing tip approximately ½–1 inch below the soil surface.
- Space pips approximately 4–6 inches apart to allow natural spreading.
- Cover gently with soil and water thoroughly after planting.
- Keep the soil consistently moist during establishment without allowing it to become waterlogged.
- Apply a light layer of mulch to help retain moisture and protect the roots.
- Allow plants to establish and spread naturally, maintaining adequate moisture during dry periods.
Set expectations: Lily of the Valley typically flowers in spring to early summer, depending on climate. Pips shipped after the flowering season may arrive with foliage cut back or naturally dying back. This is normal seasonal dormancy, not necessarily a sign of poor health. New growth develops from underground pips the following spring. Established plants spread through rhizomes and may form dense colonies over time. Best suited to cool and temperate gardens, generally USDA Zones 3–8, with performance varying in warmer areas. All parts of Lily of the Valley are poisonous if ingested, so keep plants away from children and pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will I receive?
15+ / 30+ White Lily of the Valley pips (bulbous roots), which may arrive cut back or dormant depending on the season.
When should I plant them?
Plant in spring or fall, or promptly upon arrival when soil conditions are suitable.
How deep should I plant the pips?
Plant with growing tips approximately ½–1 inch below the soil and space 4–6 inches apart.
Will Lily of the Valley return every year?
Yes! These hardy perennials return each spring and multiply naturally through underground rhizomes.
Can Lily of the Valley grow in shade?
Yes. It thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil.
