Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis

• Position: partial or full shade
• Soil: leafy, fertile, humus-rich, moist soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: May
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Ever popular, lily-of-the-valley is an excellent groundcover plant for moist, humus-rich areas of the garden, quickly spreading to form a fragrant carpet of pure white, bell-shaped flowers and long, dark green leaves. The plant flourishes in sun or partial shade, and the diminutive, bell-like flowers are traditionally an important part of spring wedding bouquets. The seeds may cause a mild stomach upset if ingested.
  
  
• Garden care: Divide and replant congested colonies in September, applying a generous mulch of composted leaf mould around the base of the plant.