Lily-of-the-Valley
 Lily-of-the-Valley live in shady places and have delicate bell-shaped, fragrant white flowers
growing on a stalk between two shiny leaves. It is perfect for a sweet little
vase in the kitchen or the office. In cool climates it is invasive and spreads
slowly until it reaches some kind of barrier to make a lovely carpet. It
loves a cold winter and can last centuries.
Planting
Once planted it is very difficult to eliminate so be sure to select the
right place with natural barriers, like the side of the house. Purchase
pips and plant 4" apart. Small nonflowering pips are often sold and
these take a year or two to produce blooms. Pips are also sold that are
guaranteed to bloom the first year. Or plant 6- to 8-inch sods with their
centers about 1 foot apart at any time the ground can be worked.
Tips
They are maintenance-free except for an occasional mulch with leaf compost
or well-rotted manure.
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