With its charming bell-shaped flowers and intoxicating fragrance, Lily of the Valley is a favorite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts. This low-growing perennial thrives in the shadier corners of the garden, bringing elegance to otherwise overlooked spaces. Despite its delicate appearance, the lily of the valley is a hardy and long-lived plant with a fascinating history in folklore and medicine. While it's often associated with vintage garden styles, modern gardeners are rediscovering the benefits of adding this graceful plant to their outdoor havens.
What month do you plant lily of the valley?
Timing is crucial when planting lily of the valley to ensure healthy growth. Generally, the best time to plant lily of the valley is in the fall. September and October are ideal for most regions because this allows the plant's rhizomes, also called pips, to establish themselves before the colder winter months. By planting in the fall, you're giving the pips ample time to adjust to their new environment, sending out roots that will support their growth when spring arrives.
Planting in early spring-typically March or April-can be successful in some warmer climates. However, fall planting is still widely recommended to allow the plant to acclimate and prepare for its growing season. When planting lily of the valley, choosing a shady or partially shaded spot is essential, as these plants thrive in excellent, damp conditions that mimic their native woodland habitats.
When can you buy lily of the valley?
The availability of lily of the valley depends mainly on the planting season, with fall being the most common time for sellers to offer pips. Nurseries typically stock lilies of the valley in late summer through early fall, allowing gardeners to prepare their plots ahead of time. Online plant nurseries, like TN Nursery, often provide an extensive selection, offering both traditional white varieties and more unique cultivars like pink lily of the valley, making it easier to find exactly what you're looking for without waiting until spring.
For those looking to purchase potted lilies of the valley, you might find them available at garden centers in spring, especially around May, when the plant begins to bloom. Remember that buying pre-potted plants can be slightly more expensive than purchasing bare-root pips. Still, it offers the immediate satisfaction of seeing those signature bell-shaped blooms early in the season.
Why is lily of the valley so expensive?
Lily of the Valley has developed a reputation for being a more expensive plant due to a combination of factors. Firstly, its slow propagation means that nurseries and growers must wait longer for new plants to mature, increasing production costs. Unlike some plants that multiply rapidly, lily of the valley reproduces much slower, making the available supply more limited than faster-growing species.
In addition to its propagation challenges, the meticulous care that lily of the valley requires adds to its cost. These plants demand specific growing conditions, particularly shade and moisture, which can make them more labor-intensive for nurseries to cultivate successfully. The delicate nature of the plant also requires extra handling during shipping and transplanting, further contributing to its price tag.
Lastly, the lily of the valley holds a cultural and symbolic significance, particularly in weddings, perfumes, and special occasions, which tends to drive up demand. Its association with purity, happiness, and the arrival of spring elevates its status, making it a coveted plant for gardeners and collectors alike.
Can you get Lily of the Valley now?
The availability of lily of the valley depends on both the season and your location. If you're hoping to plant lily of the valley right now, fall is the perfect time to secure pips from your local garden center or through an online nursery. As we approach the cooler months, many nurseries stock up on bare-root rhizomes for gardeners to plant before winter. This is the best time to buy and plant them to ensure they establish roots before spring.
If you're outside of the fall season and still looking for lily of the valley, many online retailers offer them for purchase throughout the year. However, it's essential to remember that shipping times and availability will vary. Springtime also brings opportunities to buy blooming lilies of the valley plants, which is ideal for those who prefer to enjoy their beauty immediately. Gardeners in warmer climates may be able to plant as early as March, while those in colder zones should wait until later in the spring when the ground has thawed.
Some specialty nurseries may offer pre-potted lilies of the valley even outside the traditional planting seasons, allowing enthusiasts to add this plant to their collection year-round. Regardless of when you choose to plant, ensuring the right growing conditions-namely shade and moisture-is critical to achieving those delicate and fragrant blooms that make lilies of the valley such a cherished addition to any garden.
The Lily of the Valley is more than just a beautiful plant. Its cultural significance, graceful appearance, and enchanting scent make it a must-have for gardeners who appreciate timeless elegance. It may come with a higher price tag and require careful planning; the rewards of growing lily of the valley are well worth the effort. Whether you're planting in fall or spring, once established, the lily of the valley will spread slowly but steadily, creating a stunning ground cover that adds texture, fragrance, and a touch of nostalgia to your garden for years to come.
