Fragrant Woodland Groundcover with Early Pollinator Value

Convallaria majalis, more commonly known as Lily of the Valley, is a much-loved woodland perennial celebrated for its pure white, bell-shaped spring flowers and beautifully sweet fragrance. Flowering in late spring, its nodding blooms rise above lush, emerald-green leaves, creating a soft, natural carpet in shaded areas where few flowering plants thrive.

Chosen, not just for its scent and elegance, Lily of the Valley also plays an important supporting role for biodiversity. Its spring flowers are visited by bees, providing early-season nectar in shaded habitats such as woodland gardens, hedgerows and areas beneath trees—spaces that are often overlooked in pollinator planting.

Why We’ve Chosen Lily of the Valley

• Early Nectar Source – Flowers in May–June, supporting bees emerging after winter when forage can still be limited.

• Thrives in Shade – Ideal for north-facing gardens and woodland settings, increasing habitat and planting diversity.

• Living Ground Cover – Spreads gently via rhizomes to form a dense mat, helping suppress weeds and protect soil health.

• Low-Input & Long-Lived – Once established, it thrives with minimal intervention in the right conditions.

• Beautiful & Functional – Offers fragrance, structure and ecological value in equal measure.

Traditionally associated with luck, happiness and renewal, Lily of the Valley is also regarded as an indicator of long-established woodland, reflecting its preference for stable, undisturbed soils rich in organic matter.

Biodiversity-Led Planting Tips

Plant Lily of the Valley in moist but well-drained soil in full shade or partial shade. It performs particularly well beneath deciduous trees, where spring light reaches the ground before leaf cover develops.

Soak the pips (rhizomes) in lukewarm water for around 30 minutes before planting to help rehydrate roots and encourage strong establishment. Plant with the growing tip just at or slightly below the soil surface. Enrich soil with leaf mould or compost to mimic natural woodland conditions.

Mulch annually in autumn with leaf mould and divide congested clumps every few years to maintain vigour. In smaller gardens, containers can be used to enjoy its flowers while keeping spread in check.

Product Details

• Pack Size: Bag of 5 pips

• Flower Colour: Pure white

• Flower Size: Approx. 0.5–1 cm wide

• Planting Time: Spring (March–May) or Autumn (September–November)

• Flowering Period: May–June

• Mature Height: 15–25 cm

• Spacing: 10–15 cm apart

• Pip Size: Approx. 2 cm

• Planting Depth: Plant with the tip of the pip just at or slightly below the soil surface

Please note: All parts of Lily of the Valley are poisonous if ingested and may cause skin irritation. Keep away from pets and children, and wear gloves when handling.

A timeless woodland plant, Lily of the Valley brings early-season forage, shade-tolerant planting and gentle ecological support to biodiversity-focused gardens, while filling the air with one of spring’s most treasured scents.

Use a Dibber for planting bulbs.