Is lily of the valley invasive? Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is a perennial plant that grows from stem-like underground rhizomes that spread horizontally, often with amazing speed. It also reproduces from seeds. Exactly how invasive is lily of the valley?
Should I Plant Lily of the Valley?
The lily of the valley plant has escaped cultivation and has been placed on invasive plant lists in some states, primarily for its tendency to form large colonies that threaten native plants.
It is especially happy in shady, wooded areas and doesn’t always do well in poor, dry soil or intense sunlight. In less suitable areas, it may not be invasive in the strictest sense of the word, but lily of the valley certainly has aggressive tendencies that may prompt you to think twice before planting this lovely, innocent-looking little plant. Let’s consider the pros and cons:
Controlling Lily of the Valley
While there are no guarantees with the control of this plant, the following tips may help you reign in lily of the valley’s rampant growth.
1. Dig the rhizomes with a shovel or spade. Sift the soil carefully with your hands, as even a tiny piece of rhizome will generate a new plant and eventually, a new colony.
2. If possible, cover the area with cardboard to block growth of any new rhizomes. Leave the cover in place for at least six months.
3. Cover the area with mulch if you want to camouflage the cardboard.
4. Mow the plants frequently to prevent development of seeds. This is a good way to deal with lily of the valley in your lawn.
5. Consider growing the plant in containers
6. As a last resort, control the plants with an organic herbicide. Talk with your local extension service agent about which product is the safest for the environment and health.
Note: All parts of lily of the valley are toxic and may irritate the skin. Always wear gloves when handling the rhizomes – or any part of the plant.
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Treating Diseased Lily Of The Valley Plants – Symptoms Of Lily Of The Valley DiseaseThere are some plants that it almost breaks your heart to see sick. Lily of the valley is one of those plants and one that's worth trying to save, when you can. Click here to learn how to treat sick lily of the valley, as well as ways to keep your plants healthier.
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Lily Of The Valley Has Yellow Leaves – Reasons For Yellow Lily Of The Valley LeavesLily of the valley is known for its sweet fragrance and delicate white nodding flowers. When those two things are accompanied with yellow foliage, it's time to dig a little deeper to figure out what's wrong. Learn more about yellowing lily of the valley in this article.
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Pests On Lily Of The Valley : Bugs And Animals That Eat Lily Of The Valley PlantsThere are few disease issues or lily of the valley pests. These are easily managed provided you know what you are looking for and how to treat the problem. Learn what pests on lily of the valley might be of concern, and how to identify and combat them in this article.
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Moving Lily Of The Valley Plants: When To Transplant Lily Of The ValleyA rapid spreader, people find themselves moving lily of the valley all the time with no ill effects to the plant. That said, if you?re new to growing this specimen, click on the following article to find out when and how to transplant lily of the valley.
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Dividing Lily Of The Valley: When To Split Lily Of The Valley PlantsAlthough lily of the valley is extremely easy to grow (and may even become aggressive), occasional division is necessary to prevent the plant from becoming unhealthy and overcrowded. The following article can help get you started with lily of the valley division.
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Is Lily Of The Valley Poisonous : Understanding Lily Of The Valley ToxicityIs lily of the valley safe for gardens? Lily of the valley toxicity makes it unsafe to have around children and pets. The plant is so dangerous that ingestion could result in a trip to the emergency room, or in rare cases death. Learn more in this article.
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Lily Of The Valley Varieties – Growing Different Types Of Lily Of The Valley PlantsLily of the valley plants produce a delicate, fragrant flower that is unmistakable and a great addition to the garden. But what kind of selection is out there? Learn more about the different lily of the valley plant types in this article.
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Lily Of The Valley Won’t Bloom: Why Is My Lily Of The Valley Not BloomingLily of the valley is a delightful spring bloom with tiny, bell-shaped white flowers. It does well in shadier areas of the garden and can even be a pretty ground cover, but when your lily of the valley isn?t blossoming, all you have is a lot of greenery. Find out how to fix that here.
