PerennialsConvallaria majalis
Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley is an enchanting shade plant with delightfully fragrant, small white bell-shaped flowers on arching stems. The plant blooms in April and May, spreading an unforgettable sweet scent through the garden. Note: all parts of the plant are poisonous.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 15–25 cm
- Spread
- 30–60 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 3–8
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- white
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full shade or partial shade in humus-rich, moist soil. The plant spreads vigorously via rhizomes and can cover large areas. Contain the spread with root barriers if invasiveness is unwanted. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Pruning tips
Remove flower stems after blooming. Leave the foliage until it dies back naturally in autumn. Thin overgrown colonies in autumn by removing sections of the rhizome.
Good companions
PerennialsHosta sieboldiana
Hosta
Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.
FernsPolystichum setiferum
Soft Shield Fern
The soft shield fern is an elegant, evergreen fern with finely divided, soft green fronds that arch gracefully outwards. The plant forms a beautiful rosette and fits perfectly in shady borders and woodland gardens. Mature specimens can reach up to 120 centimetres across.
PerennialsBrunnera macrophylla
Siberian Bugloss
Siberian Bugloss is an elegant shade plant with clouds of small sky-blue flowers above large, heart-shaped foliage. Blooming occurs in April and May, reminiscent of common forget-me-nots. The silver-toned leaves of popular cultivars remain decorative throughout the season.