Also known as Lily of the Valley · 116 saves
Convallaria
Convallaria, the genus most gardeners know as lily of the valley. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Convallaria varieties
Track your Convallaria in Sow
Save the Convallaria you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Convallaria
Whats common across all Convallaria varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
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 116 real gardeners — 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.