Convallaria majalis
Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is a ground cover plant that reaches 25 cm × 30 cm after ten years. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Toxic to dogs, cats and children. Sold in local shops from about €4.70.
A woodland ground cover that carries strongly scented white bells (pale pink in some forms) in late spring and makes a dense carpet under trees and shrubs, even in shade. It spreads on its own by rhizomes and pushes out weaker neighbours, so plant it where that does not matter or contain it. Every part is highly poisonous, the red berries of late summer included, so think twice before using it in a garden with small children or pets.
| Group | Ground cover |
| Light | Part shade, Shade |
| Size after 10 years | 25 cm × 30 cm |
| Ultimate size | 15–30 cm × 20–30 cm |
| Hardiness | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Flowering | April–June, white, pink |
| Water need | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Root aggressiveness | Low |
| Suckering | no data |
| Spreading | High |
| Distance from buildings | no data |
| Distance from paving | no data |
| Litter | not typical |
| Planting distance | 20 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic |
| For cats | Toxic |
| For children | Toxic |
| Typical price | from about €4.70 |
Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.
The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.
|
Size
|
Typical price
|
|---|---|
| size not stated | approx. €4.70 – €6.20 |
Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made
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