Plant lily of the valley in fall or early spring (Ask Extension, Ohio and Minnesota). Set the rhizomes, called pips, with the pointed bud just under the soil, about 4 to 8 inches apart (Ask Extension, Illinois Extension), in part to full shade and moist, rich soil (NC State). It is hardy in zones 3a to 7b (NC State). Two warnings: it spreads aggressively (NC State), and it is toxic to dogs, cats and horses (ASPCA).
Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is a low, rhizomatous perennial from Eurasia in the asparagus family, not a true lily (NC State). It grows 6 to 10 inches tall and spreads into a dense groundcover (NC State), with fragrant, nodding white bells for about three weeks in late spring (NC State, Almanac). It handles shade, clay and summer dryness, and deer and rabbits leave it alone (NC State).
When to plant lily of the valley
| Timing | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Fall | A preferred time: Ohio and Minnesota extension answers both name fall (Minnesota says late fall), and NC State divides plants in fall |
| Early spring | The other good window, as soon as the soil can be worked (Ask Extension, Ohio and Minnesota; the Almanac says spring or fall) |
| Where it is hardy | NC State lists zones 3a to 7b, and Illinois Extension says it is hardy in zone 4. It needs cold winters, so warm southern gardens are a poor fit (GardenPal note based on the NC State zone range) |
Our planting calendar shows your frost dates. For a spring planting, set out pips as soon as the ground thaws and can be worked, before your last frost; for fall, plant several weeks before the ground freezes so roots can settle in (GardenPal suggestion). Fall planting lines up with snowdrops and daffodils.
How deep and far apart to plant lily of the valley
| Lily of the valley pips | |
|---|---|
| Depth | The pointed bud (pip) sits about ½ in below the soil, with roots spread out (Almanac). NC State says plant 3 in deep to the base of the rhizome |
| Spacing | 4 to 6 in (Ask Extension, Minnesota); 6 to 8 in (Illinois Extension); about 6 in (Almanac) |
| Before planting | Soak the rhizomes before planting (Ask Extension, Minnesota) |
| Light | Dappled, partial or full shade (NC State). It dislikes bright sun (Ask Extension, Ohio) |
| Soil | Moist, organically rich soil is best, though it tolerates clay and dry soil (NC State). Avoid dry, compacted spots (Ask Extension, Ohio) |
Watering, mulch and after bloom
- Water while it settles in. Water regularly after planting (Ask Extension, Minnesota) and don't let plants dry out (Almanac). Once established it tolerates summer drought (NC State).
- Mulch each fall (NC State, Ask Extension, Minnesota).
- Leave the leaves. Don't cut the foliage after flowering (Almanac, Ask Extension, Minnesota).
- Divide crowded clumps every few years (Ask Extension, Minnesota); NC State divides in fall.
- Berries: orange-red berries sometimes follow the flowers but are not edible (Illinois Extension); NC State says they seldom form because plants need a genetically different partner nearby.
Lily of the valley in pots
A pot is the safest way to grow it if you worry about spread; Ohio's Ask Extension answer calls it a "thug" best kept in a container. Set the pot in a shady spot (Almanac). The Almanac also describes digging a few pips in fall and potting them indoors for winter flowers. Remember the toxicity warning above if you bring it inside around pets, and the ASPCA specifically advises against bringing Convallaria into homes with cats.
Spreading and invasiveness
- It spreads. Lily of the valley grows slowly at first but can spread by rhizomes and choke out other plants (NC State). The Almanac calls it a very aggressive spreader.
- Invasive in some places: NC State notes it has been reported as invasive in Wisconsin and Arkansas and may be weedy in moist, cool-winter regions. Check your state's invasive list before planting near woods.
- Native alternatives: NC State suggests Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) and wild ginger (Asarum canadense) for shady groundcover.
Pests and problems
NC State reports few insect problems, with leaf spot as the main disease. Penn State lists southern blight, leaf spots and anthracnose, rust and foliar nematodes, and advises watering the soil rather than the leaves. Deer and rabbits avoid it (NC State).
Lily of the valley near the vegetable garden
Lily of the valley belongs in a shady corner, not in a vegetable bed. Because every part is toxic and the rhizomes spread, keep it well away from edible crops and paths where kids and pets play, and never plant it where it could be mistaken for an edible green (GardenPal suggestion based on the ASPCA and Ask Extension warnings). For shade color that stays put, see when to plant caladiums and when to plant tuberous begonias. For true lilies, see when to plant lilies.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to plant lily of the valley?
Fall or early spring (Ask Extension, Ohio and Minnesota). The Almanac also says spring or fall.
How deep do you plant lily of the valley pips?
With the pointed bud about ½ inch below the soil (Almanac). NC State gives 3 inches deep to the base of the rhizome.
How far apart should I plant lily of the valley?
About 4 to 8 inches apart (Ask Extension, Illinois Extension).
Is lily of the valley toxic to dogs and cats?
Yes. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, and the FDA says it can cause life-threatening heart rhythm problems in pets.
Is lily of the valley invasive?
It spreads aggressively by rhizomes and has been reported as invasive in Wisconsin and Arkansas (NC State).
Does lily of the valley grow in full sun?
It prefers part to full shade and moist soil (NC State) and dislikes bright sun (Ask Extension, Ohio).
Enter your frost dates to time a spring or fall lily of the valley planting.
Open itSources
- Virginia Cooperative Extension, "Companion Planting in Gardening" (SPES-620P)
- University of Maryland Extension, "Vegetable Succession and Companion Planting"
- Oregon State University Extension, "Companion Planting"
- Penn State Extension, "Herbs Make Good Plant Partners and Companions"
- University of Minnesota Extension, "Planting the vegetable garden"
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (frost/freeze data)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Convallaria majalis"
- University of Illinois Extension, "Lily-of-the-valley"
- Ask Extension, "Lily of the valley" (Ohio)
- Ask Extension, "Planting lily of the valley" (Minnesota)
- The Old Farmer's Almanac, "Lily of the Valley"
- Penn State Extension, "Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria) diseases"
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control, "Lily of the Valley"
- U.S. FDA, "Lovely lilies and curious cats: a dangerous combination"
Pairings are summarized in our own words from extension-service guidance. Research support for many companion effects is limited, so treat them as good habits, not guarantees.