Lilly of the Valley - Guide to May’s birth flower

May 27, 5:29 PMSeattle Garden & Kitchen ExaminerJerry & Kristy

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               Fragrant Lilly of the Valley  
                is the birth flower for May  

If you have a birthday in the month of May, then your flower is Lilly of the Valley. This is always nice to know if you are giving May birthday flowers or planting a memory garden representing your family and friends.

Botanical Name:
Convallaria magalis

Common Name:
Lilly of the Valley

Description:
Lilly of the Valley has groups (10-20) of small fragrant bell like blooms which grow along a delicate stem that gently bows down.  

Colors:
Lilly of the Valley’s are most often white, although you can find them in a light pink hue.

Availability:
Early – midsummer although you can easily force Lilly of the Valleys indoors year-round.

Growing Tips:
Lilly of the Valley is a perennial which multiplies very rapidly. They can be left in the ground throughout the year unless you live where you have harsh winters. I have never had trouble wintering them over in NW Washington.

If they are left in the ground, Lilly of the Valleys will create a denser, larger area so if you need to control the size of the growth, it would behoove you to divide them every couple of years. They love shade but can tolerate some sun.

.Fun and/or Interesting Facts:
According to legend when the Virgin Mary cried at the cross, everywhere her tears touched the ground, a Lilly of the Valley sprung up giving them the nickname Our Lady's tears

Read our Flower of the month  articles: a 12 month guide to birth flowers

• January - Carnation

• February - Violet

• March - Daffodil

• April – Daisy

• May –Lily of the Valley