No May Day celebration is complete without lily of the valley. But once your loved one's potted gift has bloomed, where do you place it next? (The plant, of course!)
Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is a classic understory plant that thrives in light shade and humus-rich soil with moderate moisture, especially during growth and flowering.
After flowering, it stores energy in its rhizomes while leaves stay green, then enters well-earned dormancy.
When blooms fade, remove wilted flower stems and plant the pot in garden soil amended with generous compost. Water while leaves are green, then leave it undisturbed—but mark the spot to avoid digging mishaps. Don't discard it; this rooted plant revives better than a Christmas tree!
If your garden lily of the valley had lots of leaves but few bells this year, transplant it this fall or fertilize with well-rotted compost.
Photo credit: https://clio-se-balade.eklablog.com/du-muguet-pour-vous-a125781148
