Lily of the valley
Convallaria majalis
Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 6–12 in tall and 12–24 in wide, needs medium water, and prefers partial shade to dappled sun to deep shade. Spreads aggressively via rhizomes and is toxic if ingested (concern for pets/kids). Will eventually colonize an entire shaded bed. Plant where wandering is welcome and toxicity isn't a concern.
On the CSU listmedium water6–12 in tall and 12–24 in wideZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistantToxic to dogs
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Ryan Sorrells, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: (c) J V, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: (c) Jay Pruett, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 2–7
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in partial shade; tolerates dappled sun, deep shade. Flowers best with more sun.
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 5.5–7.0
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- low
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Site uses
- Cool north foundations
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 6–12 in tall and 12–24 in wide
- Growth habit
- Spreading
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid spring, late spring
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom length
- 2–3 weeks
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Winter cover
- Partial winter cover
What it will do to your yard
- Foot traffic
- No foot traffic
- Lawn alternative
- No-mow lawn alternative
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- Spreads aggressivelyLily-of-the-valley, rhizomatous, can be invasive in moist shade beds
Using Lily of the valley as a groundcover
Lily of the valley spreads steadily. It fills in densely, crowding out most weeds.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Lily of the valley good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Lily of the valley is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Lily of the valley?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet. Lily-of-the-valley, rhizomatous, can be invasive in moist shade beds
- How big does Lily of the valley get?
- It matures to about 6–12 in tall and 12–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Lily of the valley?
- Space Lily of the valley about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Lily of the valley hardy on the Front Range?
- Lily of the valley is hardy in USDA 2–7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Lily of the valley need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- Is Lily of the valley safe for dogs?
- No. Lily of the valley is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Lily of the valley deer-resistant?
- Lily of the valley is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Lily of the valley a good firewise plant near the house?
- Lily of the valley is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Can you walk on Lily of the valley?
- Lily of the valley isn't meant for foot traffic, site it where you won't need to walk across it.
- Can Lily of the valley replace a lawn?
- Yes, Lily of the valley works as a no-mow lawn alternative on the Front Range. Expect a season or two of weeding and watering while it fills in before it reads as a lawn replacement.
- Will Lily of the valley spread or stay put?
- Lily of the valley is spreading. Lily-of-the-valley, rhizomatous, can be invasive in moist shade beds Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Does Lily of the valley stay green in winter?
- Lily of the valley keeps partial cover through Front Range winters.
- How long does Lily of the valley bloom?
- Lily of the valley blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
