How Invasive Is Lily Of the Valley?

The lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is a charming perennial known for its delicate, bell-shaped flowers and sweet fragrance.

But beyond its beauty, it has a reputation for spreading quickly, which raises the question: is it truly invasive? Understanding the plant’s nature and its impact on other vegetation can help you decide if it’s right for your garden.

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The Spread of Lily of the Valley

It grows through underground rhizomes, which expand horizontally at a surprising rate. This rapid spread allows it to form dense colonies, sometimes overshadowing and displacing other plants in the area.

Some regions consider it invasive due to its ability to establish itself outside of controlled cultivation, where it may compete with native plants. While it may not thrive in all soil types or sunlight conditions, particularly in dry or overly bright areas, it performs well in shaded, woodland settings.

Pros and Cons of Planting Lily of the Valley

If you’re considering adding lily of the valley to your garden, it’s essential to weigh its benefits and potential drawbacks. On the positive side, it offers stunning springtime blooms and a fragrance that’s either deeply loved or occasionally found overpowering.

The foliage, with its sword-shaped leaves, provides a lush ground cover even after the flowers fade. However, its robust spreading habits can make it challenging to keep contained within a designated area. This plant can quickly surpass garden borders or flowerbeds, so it’s not ideal for meticulously organized spaces.

For gardens with ample space, this plant can add charm without creating issues. But if your garden is more compact, you may want to opt for a plant with more controlled growth.

Managing an Established Lily of the Valley Patch

Once it takes root, it can be challenging to control. Its rhizomes tend to tunnel beneath the soil, emerging wherever they find a path, even beyond restrictive barriers. Here are some tips to help manage its spread effectively:

Digging Out Rhizomes
Using a shovel, carefully dig up the rhizomes, ensuring you remove as much of the plant as possible. Because even a small piece of rhizome can regrow, it’s important to sift through the soil by hand to catch any remnants.
Using Cardboard as a Barrier
Placing cardboard over the area can help inhibit new growth by blocking sunlight. Keep the cardboard in place for at least six months to ensure it’s effective. You can camouflage the cardboard with a layer of mulch for a cleaner look.
Frequent Cutting
Trim back any new growth regularly to prevent the plants from going to seed. This is especially useful for keeping the plant in check if it’s growing in a lawn area. Regular cutting can slow down the spread and make the patch easier to manage.
Herbicide Option
As a last resort, applying a product containing glyphosate can kill the lily of the valley, but be cautious—glyphosate will also harm any plants it comes in contact with. It’s best used in isolated patches where other plants aren’t affected.
Container Growing
To prevent rhizomes from spreading, consider planting lily of the valley in containers. This allows you to enjoy its beauty without risking it taking over other parts of your garden.

A Note on Safety

It’s important to remember that every part of the lily of the valley plant is toxic. If ingested, it can be harmful to people and pets, and even handling the plant can irritate the skin.

Always wear gloves when working with it, especially if you’re digging up rhizomes or cutting stems. Taking these precautions will ensure that your gardening experience is both enjoyable and safe.

Is Lily of the Valley Right for Your Garden?

Ultimately, the lily of the valley’s beauty and fragrance can add much to a garden, but its vigorous spread requires careful consideration. For larger, wilder gardens where it can roam freely, it brings a lovely touch of spring. In smaller, more organized gardens, however, its aggressive growth may become a burden.

Knowing how to manage it and understanding the impact it can have on surrounding plants are key to making an informed decision about incorporating this delicate yet determined plant into your garden space.