Lily of the valley (scientific name Convallaria majalis) is a short,
shade-loving groundcover that grows about 6 – 12 inches tall and has 2
or 3 green leaves (6 inch long) and white, small, bell-shaped flowers.
It is native to Europe and has ben spread by gardeners who prize the
plant for its sweet smelling flowers that bloom in early spring. Lily of
the valley is easy to care for, and quickly forms dense patches.
Lily of the valley (scientific name Convallaria majalis) is a short, shade-loving groundcover that grows about 6 – 12 inches tall and has 2 or 3 green leaves (6 inch long) and white, small, bell-shaped flowers. It is native to Europe and has ben spread by gardeners who prize the plant for its sweet smelling flowers that bloom in early spring. Lily of the valley is easy to care for, and quickly forms dense patches.
Lily of the valley (also known as the flower of May) is good for woodland garden settings, rock gardens and perennial beds where it has room to spread. They grow well in shady areas under trees. This plant spreads naturally by underground rhizomes that can be dug up and replanted. It requires moist and well-drained ground to stay green after blooming. The USDA recommends it for zones 3 through 8. Grow the plant in partial shade with morning sun to full shade. Thin an established bed when flowering becomes sparse.
They are used for manufacturer of perfumes. Their delicate appearance and sweet scent make lilies of the valley popular in floral arrangements. The leaves have been historically used to produce green dye. Since at least the time of Lucius Apuleius, the flowers have been used medicinally as a pain reliever, a diuretic and a cardiac tonic. Teas and ointments from this plant are used for fever, burns and as a sedative and diuretic. The legend of the lily of the valley is that the flower sprang from the Eve’s tears when she was kicked out from the Garden of Eden. People also believed that these flowers protect gardens from evil spirits.
The plant contains 3 glycosides; convallarin, convallotoxin and convallamarin. Convallotoxin is one of the most active natural substances that affect the heart. Convallotoxin causes slow, irregular pulse rates and can cause heart failure. This plant also contains saponins which cause gastrointestinal poisoning.
