Lily of the Valley

Lily of the valley is a compact rhizomatous perennial with paired green leaves and fragrant white bells in late spring and early summer. It forms a spreading groundcover for shaded woodland and cottage-garden areas. ## Flowers and placement The [North Carolina Extension Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/convallaria-majalis/) lists a mature height of 6–10 inches, a spread of 4–12 inches in its attributes and 1–2 feet in its general description, with USDA zones 3–7. Its fragrant flowers open in late spring to early summer. Plant in dappled or full shade in moist, organically rich soil; the species tolerates clay and occasional dry conditions. This source notes that rhizomes can spread densely and crowd neighboring plants. ## Growing Use it beneath shrubs, along shaded bed edges, or in a woodland planting. It grows slowly but can naturalize in favorable conditions. Divide rhizomes in fall if you want to move or thin a patch. ## Maintenance Set clear boundaries where spreading could reach other plants. All parts are poisonous if eaten in large quantities, so keep children and pets from consuming any part. See the [NC State profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/convallaria-majalis/) for details on toxicity and regional growing conditions.