It's a time-honored tradition! Lily of the valley, the iconic flower of May 1st Labor Day, is customarily gifted to loved ones as a symbol of good luck. King Charles IX popularized this in the 16th century by distributing sprigs with their delicate, fragrant white bells to the ladies of the court each May 1st. As seasoned horticulturists know, however, this fragile beauty wilts quickly without proper care.
Sprigs harvested late April can last weeks with these expert gardening techniques. Start by selecting straight stems with fully opened white bells or tight buds—they'll bloom beautifully in water. Make a diagonal cut on each stalk for optimal water uptake. Refresh the vase water every two days to prevent bacteria. Position away from direct sunlight and drafts for best results.
Explore all our lily of the valley storage tips in the slideshow below.
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