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Key characteristics

Family: Asparagaceae
Height: 6 to 8 inches tall
Width: Spreads via rhizomes to form dense colonies
Flower color: White
Foliage color: Dark green
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium; prefers consistently moist soil
Maintenance: Low; remove spent flowers and thin overcrowded patches as needed
Growing zone: USDA zones 2 to 7
Wildlife: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators. The berries are attractive to birds but are toxic to humans and many animals

Groundcovers

Convallaria majalis

Lily-of-the-Valley

Convallaria majalis, commonly known as Lily-of-the-Valley, is a graceful and fragrant perennial plant valued for its delicate bell-shaped flowers and spreading habit. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, it belongs to the Asparagaceae family and is popular in gardens for its sweet fragrance and dainty appearance. Blooming in late spring to early summer, its highly fragrant, small white flowers appear in clusters at the tips of slender, arching stems above attractive foliage.

Light

Part shade to full shade

Water

Medium; prefers consistently moist soil

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Pollinator Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Borders
Deer-Prone Areas

Companion plants

Ferns · Japanese forest grasses · Hostas · Siberian buglosses · Hellebores · Toad lilies

Design tip

Plant this fragrant groundcover beneath deciduous trees where spring sunlight reaches the garden floor before the canopy fills in. As surrounding plants emerge, its dense foliage continues providing structure, creating a layered woodland planting that remains attractive well beyond flowering.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)