The lily of the valley prefers a partially shaded location and is well suited for planting under trees. Convallaria majalis can also be cultivated in a bucket.
The lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is one of the first things to catch the eye in a spring garden. The white bell-shaped flowers spread a pleasantly sweet scent. If you want to bring spring into your home, lilies of the valley can also be planted on the windowsill from December. In summer, the plant is adorned with small red berries, a welcome food source for native garden birds. Not to forget - for us humans the delicate early bloomer is poisonous in all its plant parts.
Lily of the valley - Origin
Lily of the valley belongs to the asparagus family. Visually, there is a similarity to the shadow flower, which also belongs to the asparagus family. The German equivalent of the botanical name is: "Tal-Kessel" and alludes to the original occurrence of the lily of the valley.
The plant is native to Europe, Asia and North America. There the plant occurs in meadows and in beech forests. The lily of the valley can be found in larger groups at altitudes of up to 1,900 meters.
Special feature
The botanical name "majalis" hides the month of May and thus an indication of the flowering time of the plant. The lily of the valley is often used to design Mother's Day bouquets. It is important to remember that the plants are protected and may not be picked in the wild.Another special feature is the long, lanceolate leaves that appear in spring. These are easily confused with the leaves of wild garlic. A smell test provides security: wild garlic has a smell reminiscent of garlic. The leaves of the lily of the valley, on the other hand, do not smell.
Lily of the Valley - Use
Despite its toxic ingredients, the lily of the valley is important for natural medicine. The leaves contain glycosides. These substances have heart-strengthening properties. However, such preparations should only be taken in consultation with a doctor.
In earlier times, snuff contained parts of plantsof the lily of the valley. In art, the lily of the valley symbolizes medicine and is also a symbol of modesty and humility.
| Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | carpet-like, forms creeping rhizomes |
| Growth: | 20 - 30 cm |
| Growth: | 20 - 25 cm |
| Special Features: | filigree flowers, beautiful fruit decoration, strong fragrance, hardy |
| Location: | Penumbral shade to full shade |
| Floor: | slightly dry to fresh, humus-loamy, well-drained |
Plant Lily of the Valley
The right location
The lily of the valley finds ideal growth conditions in a semi-shady to shady location. The otherwise quite undemanding plants do not tolerate strong sunlight.
A damp and warm location suits the plants. In the garden, lilies of the valley are often used as underplanting for trees and shrubs.
In conjunction with tulips, hyacinths and other early bloomers, they create pretty symbols of awakening nature.
» Attention: If lilies of the valley are used as cut flowers, keep the flower water away from children and pets. The toxins pass from the plant into the liquid over time.
Selecting the ideal substrate
The soil must be fresh and moist. The substrate should be in the acidic range. This can be checked by checking the pH value. If you get a test result between 4.5 and 6, you have found the right substrate for your lily of the valley plants.
A high proportion of humus in the soil is advantageous. The substrate can be upgraded by adding compost.
Planting lilies of the valley - step by step
- Find location
- Clear weeds and roots from the ground
- Note the planting distance (10 to 20 centimetres)
- Dig the planting hole (ten centimeters deep)
- Mix the compost into the excavation
- Insert plants (rhizomes with eyes up)
- Close planting hole
- Press substrate lightly
- Water plants well
Lily of the valley as a potted plant
The lily of the valley can not only whet the appetite for the approaching summer in the bed. Cultivated in a plant pot, the perennial can also be admired on the balcony or terrace.
Even a premature bloom is on the windowsillpossible:
- Place rhizomes in plant pots (from November)
- Fill the plant pot with substrate
- Buds should not be completely covered with soil
- Keep substrate evenly moist
- set up warm but not sunny
Water the lily of the valley correctly
After planting, regular watering is important. The substrate must not dry out. Older plants do not need regular watering. The watering can is only used in hot and dry summers. You should always proceed with a sure instinct and check the moisture content of the soil, because lilies of the valley do not tolerate waterlogging.
Fertilize Lily of the Valley correctly
You can apply a layer of compost in the fall to ensure that the lilies of the valley grow bushy and bloom profusely in spring. Lauberde can also be used. Further fertilization is not necessary.
Cutting lily of the valley
If you want to avoid propagation by self-sowing, remove the flower stalks after flowering. The leaves are not cut. The lush green foliage decorates the garden and bundles important nutrients for the overwintering of the plant.
Propagating Lily of the Valley
Summer is the best time to propagate lilies of the valley. The roots lie flat in the ground and can usually be loosened with the hands. This makes it easier to dig up the plant.
The roots can be moved to another place in the garden or used for cultivating lily of the valley in pots.
» Tip: About four new plants can develop from a ten centimeter section of the root ball.
Detect diseases and pests
The robust lilies of the valley are rarely attacked by diseases and pests. Occasionally the appearance of rust fungus, gray mold or lily beetle can be observed.
Like all fungal diseases, the rust fungus must be combated. All affected parts of the plant must be removed and disposed of. This should be done with the household waste. If you have the opportunity, you should burn the diseased parts of the plant.
Gray mold should also be permanently eliminated. The fungus not only spreads quickly, but also causes the affected plant to rot. A good prevention against gray mold is a fertilizer with as high a potassium content as possible.
Our recommendation:
The lily cockerel likes to attack lilies of the valley. Larvae and adult beetles cause damage. The bright red onesBeetles are easy to identify and collect. Larvae sit on the underside of the leaves. A shower with a garden hose helps here. A proven home remedy is to spread coffee grounds on the ground around the plant.
Wintering Lily of the Valley
The plants are completely hardy and do not need any additional protection. Spreading leaves or rotting compost around the plants in the fall can help the soil retain moisture well.
» Note: If you grow your lilies of the valley in a pot, you must ensure that the house is frost-free over the winter.