Plant profile Lily of the Valley

 in pots, nothing could be simpler or more satisfying than growing lily of the valley.

Growing Lily of the Valley

I suppose there are umpteen perennials which can be grown successfully in pots. As for ourselves in the past we generally only grew annuals in them..

border vs pots

I always found perennials performed better planted in the border, that all changed a few years ago.

It was not only Lily of the Valley which thrived in our containers, Hosta’s  and Ferns were to become firm pot favorites.

Slug damage was less likely in containers with the Hosta’s and virtually impossible to over water,  in fact we had a few Hosta’s which were still in the same containers twelve years after planting.g.

Which perennials do you find perform exceptionally well in pots?

Lily of the Valley,  like Hostas and many Ferns, prefer a shadier position in the garden. In fact they will do reasonably well in quite deep shade. However, placed in a spot that gets sun for part of the day, they become outstanding.

Convallaria Majalis (lily of the valley), is a woodland plant found in many areas of the cooler parts of the northern hemisphere, the pure white, highly scented flowers produced in May/June are extremely popular, beware, they are also highly poisonous.

In the past we have planted Lily of the Valley directly in the garden border without much success. Although very hardy they seem to prefer being planted in a pot indoors in early Spring. Allow them to settle in the pot for a couple of weeks.   Plant them outdoors in a semi shaded spot in mid May. where they will quickly multiply.

To be honest I am  happy with them as container plants.  I think I will continue growing them in this manner.

Brief plant information

Hardiness — fully hardy

Flowering – – – Blooms in May/June, white scented flowers on sturdy stems

Soil and position – – – Alkaline through to acidic

Height – – – 30cm/12 inches

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Sorry I haven’t been in touch with you so often. I have had a deterioration in my eyesight. Previously I had been diagnosed with AMD. This was causing a bit of blurriness which seems to be under control with a supplement which I take.   Trials in America have shown this to be effective.

Recent hospital appointment has shown that the further deterioration I am experiencing is due to, cataracts and cornea damage.

Surgeon I recently saw, wants me to see another who will hopefully operate.  Cataracts can of course be seen to, a little doubt as to the procedure when cornea surgery is also required.

In the meantime, thank god for the screen magnification app.

 

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