It is a plant that is usually sold as bulbous, but it is not. Its leaves sprout from a rhizome found underground, in the mountain forests of the Mediterranean region. His name is Lily of the valleyand has some funny white or pink flowers, depending on the variety, which give off a very pleasant aroma.
It is often thought that it is difficult to grow, but if you follow our advice, you will see that, in reality, it is not so difficult.
Characteristics of the Lily of the Valley
Our protagonist, known by the scientific name of Convallaria majalisis a rhizomatous plant that grows between 15 and 25 centimeters in height. The leaves are whole, simple, of a bright green color, and its flowers, which sprout in spring and summer, are bell-shaped. As we anticipated, there are white ones, but also pink ones, which belong to the »Rosear» variety.
It can be used both to decorate the patio or terrace, or as a garden plant by planting it in areas where the sun does not reach directly. Of course, if you have pets or children, you have to avoid them approaching it, because it is very toxic if ingested.
How do you take care of yourself?
In order for it to grow well, you need:
- Location: outside, in semi-shade or shade.
- Irrigation: it must always be slightly humid, especially in summer. Water between two and three times in the warmer months, and every 4-5 days the rest of the year.
- Soil or substrate: whether it is kept in the garden or in a pot, the soil must have good drainage to prevent the roots from rotting. If it is very compact, it is advisable to mix it with perlite, clay balls or any other similar material in equal parts.
- Subscriber: highly recommended to fertilize with liquid organic fertilizers throughout the growing season (spring and summer).
- Pruning: cut the leaves at the end of winter so that it sprouts strongly in spring.
- Planting time: autumn.
- Multiplication: new specimens can be obtained by dividing the rhizomes after flowering.
What did you think of the Lily of the Valley?
