Lily of the valley is more than just a charming springtime flower with delicate white bells and a sweet scent. This timeless plant has been cherished for centuries, especially in Europe, where it’s often seen as a symbol of luck and love. Yet, despite its familiar appearance in gardens and May Day celebrations, lily of the valley holds many surprising secrets that even seasoned gardeners might not know.
From its unexpected family ties to its potentially invasive nature, there’s a lot more to lily of the valley than meets the eye. Whether you’re considering planting it in your yard or simply curious about its cultural roots, understanding this plant’s full story can help you appreciate it far beyond its pretty petals.
In this guide, we’ll walk through ten fascinating facts about lily of the valley — including its botanical background, variations, legends, and hidden risks — so you can decide if it truly belongs in your garden.
Table of Contents
1. Lily of the valley is actually…
Despite its delicate name, lily of the valley isn’t a true lily. Its scientific name is Convallaria majalis, which roughly translates to “lily of the valleys.” The name combines the Latin word convallis (valley) and the Greek leirion (lily), reflecting the plant’s preference for cool, shaded woodland areas.
While it’s often referred to as “May lily” or “muguet” in French, this plant has earned other charming nicknames around the world. In English folklore, it’s sometimes called “Mary’s tears,” inspired by the belief that the flower sprang from the Virgin Mary’s sorrow.
So, although it may look and smell like a classic lily, lily of the valley stands in a category of its own — both botanically and culturally.
2. Lily of the valley belongs to the same family as asparagus and agave
It might surprise you to learn that lily of the valley shares family ties with some unlikely relatives. Botanically, it’s classified under the Asparagaceae family — the same group that includes asparagus, agave, yucca, and hyacinths.
This modern classification is based on genetic research, not appearance. At first glance, the fragrant bell-shaped blooms of lily of the valley don’t resemble a stalk of asparagus or a spiky agave, but under the microscope, their cellular structures and evolutionary traits tell a different story.
Earlier plant classification systems placed lily of the valley in the Liliaceae family alongside tulips and true lilies, primarily based on visual similarities. But advances in DNA analysis have reshaped our understanding of how these plants are connected — proving that family resemblance in the garden isn’t always what it seems.
3. There are several types of lily of the valley
While most people picture lily of the valley as a dainty white flower, there’s actually more than one type. The most well-known variety, Convallaria majalis, features classic white bell-shaped blooms. But if you’re looking to add a unique twist to your garden, consider its lesser-known cousins.
- Convallaria majalis ‘Rosea’ produces soft pink flowers, offering a rare pastel variation that still carries the plant’s signature scent.
- Convallaria majalis ‘Bordeaux’ is admired for its larger, more abundant blooms — perfect for gardeners who want a fuller floral display.
- Ophiopogon japonicus, often called “Japanese lily of the valley,” is another lookalike with grassy foliage and blue berries. Despite the nickname, it’s not a true lily of the valley and belongs to an entirely different genus.
With these different types available, lily of the valley can be both a traditional and unexpectedly diverse addition to your landscape.
4. Lily of the valley is a hardy plant
Don’t let its delicate looks fool you — lily of the valley is tough. This perennial can survive frigid temperatures, thriving in climates where winters dip as low as -20°C (-4°F). It’s native to the cool woodlands of Europe, Asia, and North America, and once established, it returns reliably year after year.
You’ll find it growing wild in places like Scandinavia, Ukraine, and the northeastern U.S., where its bell-shaped flowers peek through the forest floor each spring. Even urban gardens in cities like Portland or New York can support this resilient bloomer with the right soil and shade.
That said, lily of the valley struggles in hot, dry climates — especially near the Mediterranean. It prefers cool, moist conditions and partial shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens or shady borders where many other flowering plants won’t thrive.
5. You should think twice before planting lily of the valley in your garden
While lily of the valley is undeniably charming, it comes with two major warnings: it’s toxic and invasive.
All parts of the plant — from its leaves to its sweet-scented flowers and even the water in a vase — contain cardiac glycosides, which can cause nausea, vomiting, heart irregularities, and more if ingested. This makes it particularly dangerous for children and pets. If you’re wondering, is lily of the valley poisonous to pets? — the answer is yes, even in small amounts. Dogs and cats are especially at risk.
Beyond its toxicity, lily of the valley has a habit of taking over. It spreads aggressively via underground rhizomes and can easily outcompete other plants in your garden. What starts as a lovely groundcover can turn into a dense monoculture if not contained.
To grow it responsibly:
- Keep it in pots or raised beds
- Avoid planting near areas accessible to pets
- Trim back spreading roots regularly
It’s beautiful — but only if you can keep it in check.
6. Lily of the valley doesn’t always bloom on May 1st
In France and other parts of Europe, lily of the valley is famously associated with May 1st, when it’s gifted as a symbol of good luck and happiness. But despite the tradition, the plant doesn’t always cooperate with the calendar.
In mild climates, it may bloom as early as mid-April. In colder regions or years with long winters, the blooms might hold off until late May or even June. This natural variability often forces commercial growers to get creative — using greenhouses, grow lights, and cold storage to time the flowering perfectly for May Day sales.
So, if you’re planning to grow lily of the valley and want blooms by May 1st, timing is everything. Your local climate, sun exposure, and soil temperature will all play a role. Gardeners in cooler zones might have to be patient, while those in temperate areas could be treated to an early spring display.
7. Lily of the valley has given rise to many legends
Throughout history, lily of the valley has captured imaginations and inspired a wealth of legends. Its dainty appearance and strong fragrance have made it a symbol of both innocence and mysticism.
In Greek mythology, it’s said that Apollo, god of music and light, created the flower to line the forest floor for his nymphs — a soft path so they wouldn’t hurt their feet. This idea of divine protection added to the flower’s sacred aura.
In Christian tradition, lily of the valley is often called “Mary’s tears” because it was believed to have sprouted from the tears of the Virgin Mary as she wept at the foot of the cross. Another tale tells of Saint Leonard, who shed blood fighting a dragon in the forest — and from those drops, lily of the valley bloomed.
Whether viewed as a gift from the gods or a symbol of mourning, lily of the valley has always been more than a garden flower — it’s a poetic emblem of life, loss, and renewal.
8. Lilies of the valley have been sold since the 16th century
The tradition of gifting lily of the valley on May 1st dates back over 400 years. Legend says that in 1560, a French knight, Louis de Girard de Maisonforte, offered a sprig of the flower to King Charles IX as a token of good luck. The gesture charmed the young monarch, who decided to make it a royal custom — ordering that a bouquet of lily of the valley be given to every lady at court each spring.
Over time, this elegant gesture became a widespread tradition across France. It wasn’t until 1941, under the Vichy regime, that lily of the valley officially became the floral emblem of Labor Day, replacing the red rosehip, which had socialist connotations.
Interestingly, May Day street sales of lily of the valley are still a beloved practice. Even today, these simple white flowers symbolize hope, prosperity, and renewal — making them far more than just a seasonal decoration.
9. The lily of the valley is a national symbol — and a fashion icon
Beyond its seasonal charm, lily of the valley holds deeper cultural significance around the world. In Finland, it’s the country’s official national flower, known locally as kielo. Once a popular girl’s name, “Kielo” still holds a place in Finnish hearts — and even in farm culture, where it’s affectionately used as a name for prized cows.
In the world of fashion, lily of the valley was a favorite of legendary designer Christian Dior. He famously wore a small sprig in his buttonhole for good luck and had the flower sewn into the linings of his haute couture dresses. The plant inspired his iconic Muguet dress, embroidered with bell-shaped blossoms, and also played a key role in the scent profile of Dior’s perfumes, like Diorissimo and Miss Dior.
Even outside of royal courts and designer ateliers, lily of the valley continues to symbolize elegance, purity, and grace — whether growing in a quiet forest or adorning the runway.
10. Anyone can sell lilies of the valley on May 1st
In France, May 1st is more than a public holiday — it’s also the one day of the year when anyone can legally sell lily of the valley without a license. This unique exception allows private individuals, local associations, and even children to sell small bunches of the flower on street corners.
However, there are a few rules:
- The flowers must be wild-picked, not commercially grown.
- Sellers can’t add ribbons, decorative wrapping, or mix other flowers into the bouquet.
- Sales must take place away from licensed florists to avoid unfair competition.
This charming tradition turns city streets and village squares into open-air markets full of the sweet scent of lily of the valley, reconnecting people with nature and heritage — even if just for a day.
It’s one of the rare examples where a humble flower legally — and joyfully — breaks the rules.
Written by Elly 🌿
Founder of Flora Nurture, Elly is a lifelong garden lover inspired by her grandfather’s teachings. She shares soulful gardening wisdom rooted in nature, creativity, and mindful living.
Read more about Elly →Conclusion
Lily of the valley may be small, but it carries a rich legacy — from royal gardens and ancient myths to modern fashion and national symbolism. Its soft white bells and unforgettable scent have made it a beloved flower across generations and cultures.
But beneath its beauty lies a complex nature. Hardy yet invasive, symbolic yet toxic, lily of the valley is a plant that requires both admiration and caution. Whether you’re planting it in your garden or gifting a sprig on May 1st, understanding its traits can help you appreciate it on a deeper level.
If you’re considering adding lily of the valley to your garden, remember: contain it well, keep it away from pets, and enjoy the story it tells — one bloom at a time.
FAQ: Lily of the Valley
Is lily of the valley poisonous to pets?
Yes. All parts of the plant are toxic to dogs, cats, and even humans if ingested. The toxins can cause vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and other serious health issues. If you have pets, it’s best to avoid planting this flower or keep it in a secure, out-of-reach area.
Can lily of the valley grow in pots?
Absolutely. Growing lily of the valley in containers is a smart way to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably. Use a deep pot to accommodate its underground rhizomes, and keep it in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.
How do I stop lily of the valley from taking over my garden?
To control its spread:
- Plant it in pots or raised beds
- Use root barriers
- Regularly thin out the clumps
Its rhizomes grow quickly underground, so a little oversight goes a long way.
When should lily of the valley be planted?
Early spring or fall is ideal. The plant prefers cool soil and will establish better before the heat of summer or deep frost of winter sets in.
Why is lily of the valley associated with May 1st?
In France, it’s a long-standing tradition to give lily of the valley on May 1st as a symbol of luck and happiness. The custom dates back to the 16th century and continues today with street vendors selling small bunches on this day.
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