How to divide lily of the valley?

Lily of the valley, also known as Convallaria majalis, is a perennial appreciated for its delicate scented white bell-shaped flowers and long green leaves. This plant is often considered a good-luck charm and is traditionally offered on 1 May in France to wish happiness and prosperity. Today, we will guide you step by step through the process of dividing lily of the valley, a technique that will allow you to propagate these charming flowers effectively in your garden.

A brief note about the lily of the valley

Lily of the valley, or Convallaria majalis, is an emblematic perennial that flowers in spring, producing delicate white bell-shaped flowers with an intoxicating scent. Native to the Northern Hemisphere, this herbaceous plant has long arched green leaves that showcase its pendulous floral clusters. Lily of the valley is often associated with luck and prosperity, particularly in France, where it is given as a sprig or bouquet on 1 May. This charming and symbolic plant, in addition to being pleasing to the eye, can add a touch of grace and elegance to any garden.

Why dividing the lily of the valley?

Dividing lily of the valley offers several benefits for gardeners and the plants themselves. Division allows you to multiply lily of the valley young plants and distribute them across different areas of the garden or share them with friends and family.

In addition, lily of the valley tends to spread quickly thanks to its underground rootstocks, sometimes forming dense colonies. Division helps to control its growth and to prevent it from encroaching on other plants in the garden.

Finally, division can help rejuvenate ageing young plants of lily of the valley by removing old or weak parts and encouraging the growth of vigorous new shoots. This helps maintain the plant's attractive appearance and vigour.

When and how to divide lily of the valley?

The ideal time to divide lily of the valley is late summer or early autumn, after flowering and when the plant enters dormancy. This allows newly divided young plants to establish themselves and develop a strong root system before winter arrives.

How to divide lily of the valley:

1. Preparation: Gather a spade, a pruning shear, a watering can and gardening gloves. Also prepare the new planting site by digging holes about 15 cm deep and spacing each hole 15 to 20 cm apart.
2. Lift the clump: Use the spade or a digging fork to lift the clump of lily of the valley carefully, taking care not to damage the rootstocks and roots. You can slightly moisten the soil around the plant to make extraction easier.
3. Separate the rootstocks: Inspect the rootstocks and cut them with the pruning shear, dividing the clump into several sections. Ensure each section has at least one shoot and healthy roots.
4. Planting: Place each divided section into a prepared hole and cover the roots with soil. Firm the soil gently around the plant to ensure good contact between the roots and the soil.
5. Watering: Water the newly divided young plants thoroughly to encourage root establishment and resumption of growth. Continue to water regularly during the first weeks, keeping the soil moist but well drained.

Required equipment

1. Spade or transplanter: These tools will help you lift lily of the valley clumps gently without damaging the rootstocks and roots.
2. Pruning shears that are clean and sharp is necessary for cutting rootstocks when dividing clumps.
3. Gardening gloves: in addition to protecting your hands from cuts and scrapes, they can also help prevent skin irritation caused by contact with lily of the valley.
4. Watering can to water the newly divided young plants thoroughly and encourage establishment.