Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a woodland flowering plant with sweetly scented, pendent, bell-shaped white flowers borne in sprays in spring. It is native throughout the cool temperate Northern Hemisphere in Asia and Europe, and its French name, muguet, sometimes appears in the names of perfumes imitating the flower’s scent. The plant has been used in folk medicine for centuries and is known for its highly poisonous cardiac glycosides, which can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and irregular heartbeats if ingested.
The lily of the valley has been a popular choice for weddings and is often used as a symbol of spring. In France, it is traditional to sell lily of the valley on international Labour Day, 1 May, as a symbol of spring, and it is also worn in Helston, Cornwall, on Flora Day, 8 May, to represent the coming of summer. The plant has also been used in perfumes, with the French firm Dior producing a fragrance simulating lily of the valley in 1956, called Diorissimo, which is considered a classic. Other perfumes imitating or based on the flower include Henri Robert’s Muguet de Bois, Penhaligon’s Lily of the Valley, and Olivia Giacobetti’s En Passant.
The plant is relatively easy to care for and can be grown as a ground cover, spreading quickly to create large blankets of petite white flowers. However, its spreading habit will need routine tending, and the plants may need to be dug and divided every few years to maintain their flower production. Lily of the valley plants are also susceptible to pests such as aphids and spider mites, but these can be easily treated. With proper care, the lily of the valley can be a beautiful and fragrant addition to any garden, and its symbolism of spring and new life makes it a popular choice for weddings and other celebrations.
Lily of the Valley Species
Common Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
- Origin: Europe and Asia.
Characteristics:
- Classic variety with white, fragrant, bell-shaped flowers on arching stems.
- Broad green leaves and grows well in shaded, moist soil.
- Flowers bloom in late spring.
Convallaria majalis ‘Rosea’
- Origin: Cultivated variety.
Characteristics:
- Rare pink-flowered version of Lily of the Valley.
- Soft pastel pink flowers with the same sweet fragrance.
- Slightly smaller blooms compared to the white variety.
Convallaria majalis ‘Albostriata’
- Origin: Cultivated variety.
Characteristics:
- Unique striped leaves with creamy white variegation.
- Produces classic white flowers with a strong fragrance.
- Grown for both its flowers and ornamental foliage.
Convallaria majalis ‘Hardwick Hall’
- Origin: Cultivated in the UK.
Characteristics:
- Glossy green leaves with bold, creamy-yellow margins.
- Classic white, fragrant flowers.
- An excellent choice for brightening shaded garden spaces.
Convallaria majalis ‘Flore Pleno’
- Origin: Cultivated variety.
Characteristics:
- Double-flowered form with fuller, densely packed blooms.
- White flowers with the same sweet scent.
- Blooms later than the standard type.
Convallaria majalis ‘Bordeaux’
- Origin: Cultivated in France.
Characteristics:
- Vigorous grower with large, pure white flowers.
- Slightly taller than the common type, with longer-lasting blooms.
- Favored in French floral arrangements.
Convallaria majalis ‘Golden Slippers’
- Origin: Cultivated variety.
Characteristics:
- Bright golden-yellow foliage that contrasts beautifully with white flowers.
- Foliage retains its color even in shaded areas.
- Compact growth habit.
Convallaria majalis ‘Variegata’
- Origin: Cultivated variety.
Characteristics:
- Striking green leaves with white or creamy variegation.
- Produces small, white bell-shaped flowers.
- Excellent for adding texture and color to shady garden borders.
Convallaria majalis ‘Dorien’
- Origin: Cultivated in the Netherlands.
Characteristics:
- Larger flowers and slightly taller stems.
- Intensely fragrant white blooms.
- Robust and well-suited for cut flower production.
Convallaria majalis ‘Fernwood’s Golden Spires’
- Origin: Cultivated in the United States.
Characteristics:
- Bright golden-green foliage.
- Small white flowers with a sweet scent.
- Known for its vibrant leaves that persist through the season.
Convallaria majalis ‘Prolificans’
- Origin: Cultivated variety.
Characteristics:
- Compact plant with densely packed flower clusters.
- Smaller, more abundant blooms compared to the standard type.
- Highly fragrant, ideal for ground cover.
Convallaria majalis ‘Fortin’s Giant’
- Origin: Cultivated in Canada.
Characteristics:
- Larger blooms and taller stems than common varieties.
- Broad green leaves that form dense clumps.
- Particularly cold-hardy and robust.
Convallaria majalis ‘Teneriffe’
- Origin: Cultivated variety.
Characteristics:
- Compact plant with small, pure white flowers.
- Especially suited for containers and small gardens.
- Retains its size and form in restricted spaces.
Convallaria majalis ‘Haldon Grange’
- Origin: Cultivated in England.
Characteristics:
- Notable for its lush green foliage with a slight bronze tint in early spring.
- White flowers with a robust, sweet fragrance.
- A slow-growing but long-lasting variety.
Convallaria majalis ‘Albiflora’
- Origin: Natural mutation.
Characteristics:
- Pure white flowers with an exceptionally delicate fragrance.
- Slightly smaller growth habit than the standard variety.
- Ideal for shaded woodland gardens.
Convallaria majalis ‘Picta’
- Origin: Cultivated variety.
Characteristics:
- Distinctive leaves mottled with pale green and creamy white.
- Produces white, fragrant flowers typical of the species.
- Valued for its ornamental foliage as much as its flowers.