Lily of the Valley – Convallaria majalis

Common Name: Lily of the Valley

Botanical Name: Convallaria majalis, kon-va-LAH-ree-a mah-JA-lis

Decorative Life: 3-6 days.

Flower Color: Pink, White

Availability: Spring, Year Round

• Member of the Liliaceae (lily) family.
• Native to Europe.
• Related species include lily, tulip, asparagus, daylily.

• Nodding, bell-shaped flowers occur in loose, one-sided clusters at stem ends.
• Stems 8-10 inches long, bearing 6-8 clusters of flowers.
• Plant is a herbaceous perennial from a rhizome, classed as a monocotyledon, leaves mostly parallel veined.
• Flower fragrance is sweet, mild.

30-32F for 2-3 weeks if rhizomes still are attached, store cut stems at 32-34F in water or dry for up to 5 days. At 36-40F, unopened flowers turned yellow, pathogen growth increased and vaselife decreased.

• From the Latin “convallis” (a valley), referring to where the plant is found. The specific epithet name majalis means May, in reference to when it flowers.
• Flowers are used in the perfume industry, rhizomes have medicinal properties.
• With over 3000 species, the lily family includes many medicinal and food species in addition to ornamental species.
• Some references suggest placing stems on ice to revive if limp.
• Single and double flower forms are available.