Also known as Lily of the Valley · 106 gardener saves
Convallaria: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Convallaria, the genus most gardeners know as lily of the valley. We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Convallaria varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedLily of the Valley
Convallaria majalis
#2 most savedBordeaux Lily of the Valley
Convallaria majalis 'Bordeaux'
#3 most savedHardwick Hall Lily of the Valley
Convallaria majalis 'Hardwick Hall'
How to grow Convallaria
What the Convallaria varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Convallaria year
- PlantSeptember and October100% of varieties
Plant pips or rhizomes in fall for spring establishment
- DivideSeptember and October100% of varieties
Divide dense colonies every 3-5 years to control spread
- Spring CleanupFebruary67% of varieties
Cut back old, brown foliage before new growth starts
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall
- Mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature
- Apply organic compost annually
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
Avoid
- Avoid overly dry or waterlogged soil ❌
- Do not expose bulbs to direct, harsh sunlight
- Never allow soil to dry out completely
- Avoid waterlogging the roots ❌
What goes wrong with Convallaria
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Chewed leaves and slime trails | Use organic slug bait or handpick at night |
| Gray mold | Fuzzy gray patches on leaves and flowers | Improve air circulation and remove affected parts |
| Botrytis (Gray Mold) | Gray fuzzy mold on flowers and leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if necessary |
Making more Convallaria
Division
- Dig up clumps in early spring or fall.
- Separate bulbs with a sharp knife or hands.
- Replant immediately at same depth.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Bulb planting
- Tuck bulbs 1-2 inches deep in prepared soil.
- Space bulbs 4-6 inches apart.
- Water well after planting.
- Mulch to conserve moisture.
Convallaria questions
How many types of Convallaria are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Convallaria varieties. The most popular — ranked by 106 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Convallaria grow in?
Across its varieties, Convallaria covers USDA Zones 4–8. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Convallaria bloom?
Most Convallaria varieties bloom in spring, mid-spring, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Convallaria should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Convallaria shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Convallaria in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
