Lily of the Valley Pips (Convallaria majalis)

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a UK native woodland plant and one of the most fragrant flowers of late spring. In May and June each arching stem carries a row of small, waxy white bells above a pair of broad, upright green leaves, filling still air with a rich sweet scent. It grows 20–30cm tall and is supplied as pips — the dormant crowns of its creeping rhizome — rather than as a true bulb.

In the wild it is a plant of dry to damp woodland on a range of soils, and in the garden it wants the same: shade or dappled shade beneath deciduous trees, along a north-facing wall or hedge base, or in the shadier corners of a border. It spreads by underground rhizome and, where it is happy, will knit together into a dense carpet that suppresses weeds and needs no attention. It can be slow to settle in its first year, then moves more quickly.

Plant in autumn, September to November, setting the pips so the pointed growing tip sits just at or below the soil surface — around 2–3cm deep — and 10–15cm apart. A moist, humus-rich soil improved with leaf mould or garden compost suits it best; avoid hot, dry, sunny spots. Keep watered in the first spring if the weather turns dry. Leave the foliage to die back naturally in autumn.

Supplied as pips for autumn planting. UK native species, suited to shaded gardens and woodland-edge planting.

All parts of the plant, including the red berries, are highly poisonous. Avoid planting near play areas or where pets and livestock graze.