Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley
The Fragrant Spring Carpet for Shady Minnesota Ground
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is the beloved old-fashioned groundcover that fills shade with sweetly perfumed, nodding white bells each spring. Its broad green leaves knit into a lush carpet that thrives where lawn and most perennials fail — the dry, shaded ground under trees and along the north side of the house. Tough, deer-resistant, and intensely fragrant, it's a nostalgic favorite for shade gardens in Edina, Woodbury, and St. Paul.
Lily of the Valley Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Convallaria majalis |
| Mature Size | 6–10 in. tall, spreading vigorously as a groundcover |
| Hardiness Zone | 2–7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Part shade to full shade |
| Bloom Time | Mid to late spring |
| Flower Color | White (intensely fragrant) |
| Soil | Adaptable — tolerates dry shade and clay; prefers humus-rich soil |
| Winter Hardiness | Extremely hardy — reliable well below -30°F |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed — all parts are toxic, so deer avoid it |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Dry-shade groundcover: One of the few plants that carpets the difficult dry shade beneath trees. Plant the tray of 10 about 6–8 inches apart for quick coverage.
Fragrant woodland edges: Wonderful along shaded paths where its scent can be enjoyed. It spreads enthusiastically — give it room or edge it to contain. Pair with hostas and ferns.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant the pips in spring (late April–May) or early fall (late August–mid September) into shaded soil. Water through establishment; it spreads fastest in moist, rich shade.
How to Plant Lily of the Valley
Loosen the soil and mix in compost. Set each plug 6–8 inches apart with the crown just at the surface, water in well, and mulch with shredded leaves. It will knit into a carpet over a season or two. Wear gloves and wash hands afterward — the plant is toxic.
Watering Lily of the Valley
First year: Keep evenly moist — water every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Tolerates dry shade once established; water during extended dry spells to keep foliage fresh.
Q: Is Lily of the Valley poisonous?
Yes — all parts, including the red berries, are toxic if eaten. Plant it away from areas where children or pets might nibble, and wash hands after handling.
Q: Does it spread aggressively?
Yes — it spreads steadily by underground pips and can colonize an area. That's ideal for filling difficult shade, but edge it to keep it out of choice beds.
Q: Will it grow in dry shade?
Yes — it's one of the toughest groundcovers for dry shade under trees.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — its toxicity makes it reliably deer- and rabbit-proof.
You May Also Like
Hosta: A bold-leaved shade companion to contrast the fine foliage.
Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum): Another fragrant shade groundcover.
Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina): A graceful native fern for shaded beds.