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Lily-of-the-valley, Convallaria majalis, the national flower of Finland, is a sweet little, shade- loving perennial. This extra-hardy plant standing only 6-8 inches tall is a must for any woodland garden but is also used readily as a ground cover, under trees to cover protruding roots or as foundation planting under shrubs. The flowers though minuscule pack a powerful punch. Two or three tiny sprigs can perfume an entire room and a small patch can perfume the whole yard.
Lily-of-the-valley, traditionally used in bridal bouquets and in the making of perfume spreads by rhizomes. When purchased through garden catalogues and nurseries they refer to these tiny roots as pips. The leaves are large, comparatively, and a bright, dark green color with many ribs. Their tiny, drooping, bell-shaped flowers bloom in early spring and by autumn produce very attractive bright red berries. Be forewarned: every part of this plant is mildly poisonous so take great care in planting these where children may frequent. The berries look very inviting to a curious little kid.
Though completely comfortable in deep shade, Lily-of-the-valley prefers dapple shade or indirect light. It likes the rich loam soil found in forest floors and likes ample moisture. To emulate this in your garden add organic matter to the soil before planting and apply generous amounts of leaf mold, bark mulch or compost in the autumn. Other than these few concerns there is hardly a thing out there that can harm this tough little plant. It can grow into a thick carpet just about anywhere. It is extremely hardy, growing in the coldest regions without a bother.
It spreads to the point of being invasive at times and has escaped into the wild in many parts of the Northeast United States. I know I have to keep a vigilant eye out for any that grow under the barriers I use to divide garden and walk way. Every year some escape and have to be dug out and replanted. That is how I get more plants to give away to friends or to extend my woodland garden, always a good thing.
To plant Lily-of-the-valley in a garden, clumps should be planted 1-2 feet apart, pips should be planted horizontally 4-5 inches apart and 1-2 inches deep. Place closer together for a ground cover effect or to prevent soil erosion. Pips can be stored in plastic bags in the refrigerator and planted in pots during the winter for forcing. Flowers last a good three weeks and fill the house with a spring time scent irresistible to most people. This should hold you over until spring really arrives.
There are some interesting cultivars available now that will give a different look to the garden though they all still bloom in the spring. “Albostriata” is a variegated variety with white to creamy-colored stripes on the leaves. “Rosea” grows dainty pink flowers. “Aureo-variegata” has dark green leaves streaked with yellow and “Variegata” has white-splashed leaves.
Any one or all of these pretty plants would make a nice addition to a woodland garden, tucked under bushes and trees or covering up a steep, shady bank where nothing else will grow. Give Lily-of-the-valley a try. These fragrant belles of spring will delight you as they do me, I guaranty.
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Author Bio Box: Glory Lennon
 To find more on gardening visit
http://www.helium.com/user/show/32782.
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