Lily of the Valley

Lily of the valley is a native of Europe, North America -A and Canada. Introduced throughout the world in moist cool climates.

According to European folk tales, lily of the valley either originated from the Virgin Mary's tears, shed at the foot of the Cross, or from those shed by Mary Magdalen when she found Christ's tomb.

From the Middle Ages onwards the flowers form the traditional part of a bride's bouquet and are associated with modesty and purity.

In the 16th century they were used medicinally and called Convall Lily. The Elizabethan physician Gerard has this amazing recipe: 'Put the flowers of May lilies into a glass and set it in a hill of ants, firmly closed for 1 month. After which you will find a liquor that when applied appeaseth the Paine and grief of gout.'

Species

Convallaria majalis

Lily of the Valley

Hardy perennial. Ht 15cm (6in). spread indefinite. While, bell-shaped, scented flowers, late spring to early summer. Leaves mid-green in color, oval in shape. There are many attractive forms of this plant. The most striking is Vic Pawlowski's Gold which has gold strips running through the leaves. Another is the pink Convallaria majalis var. rosea which I think looks insipid next to the white flowering king.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seeds

Ripe seeds are seldom formed, and (he scarlet berries are highly poisonous, so it is far better to propagate by division.

Division

The plant produces crowns on creeping rhizomes. Divide in the autumn after the plant has finished flowering and the leaves have died back.

Pests and Diseases

Lily of the valley is free from most pests and diseases.

Maintenance

Spring: In very early spring, bring pots into the house for forcing.

Summer: Do nothing!

Autumn: When the plant has died back fully dig up the rhizomes for splitting. Pot up crowns for forcing.

Winter: No need for protection.

Garden Cultivation

Unlike its name, it should be grown not in an open valley but in partial shade. Ideal for growing under trees or in woodlands or in the shade of a fence provided there is not too much competition from other plants.

To get the best flowers, prepare the site well. The soil should be deeply cultivated with plenty of well-rotted manure, compost or leaf mould. Plant in autumn, 15cm (6in) apart, before the frosts make the soil too hard. Place the crowns upright in the prepared holes with the tips just below the soil.

Harvest

Pick the flowers when in full bloom for drying so that they can be added to potpourri.

Container growing

This plant can be happily grown in pots as long as it is kept in the shade and watered regularly. Use the bark, peat mix of compost. Feed with liquid fertilizer only during flowering. In winter let the plant die down, and keep it in a cool place outside.

Medicinal

This plant, like the foxglove, is used in the treatment of heart disease. It contains cardiac glycosides which increase the strength of the heartbeat while slowing and regularizing its rate, without putting extra demand on the coronary blood supply.

Culinary

None - all parts of the plant are poisonous.