Convallaria majalis Bordeaux - Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis 'Bordeaux' is a very vigorous lily of the valley that is almost twice as large as the traditional type with more numerous and larger clusters of white and fragrant bells in the heart of spring. They rise distinctly above the foliage, which is a darker shade of green. It is a hardy and easy-to-grow perennial ground cover for shady areas, and can be grown in almost all regions.

Convallaria majalis Bordeaux belongs to the Convallariaceae or Liliaceae family, depending on the classification. Its wild ancestor, lily of the Valley or May Lily, is widespread in all clear forests of cool temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere (Europe, Asia, North America). Lily of the valley is very hardy and easy to grow in both sun and shade, but prefers light soil and moisture to flower and spread abundantly.

The 'Bordeaux' lily of the valley is a perennial plant that reaches a height of 25-30 cm (10-12in) and has a rhizome in the shape of fleshy claws, which develops into a dense carpet, quickly colonizing the ground. This deciduous variety develops broad sheathing, dark green leaves at the base, which are lanceolate to elongated oval,  usually ending in a point. Each leaf measures between 15 and 25 cm (6 and 10in) in length with numerous parallel veins. The plant flowers from April to May in a cluster about 35 cm (14in) tall, with 10 to 15 small pendulous bell-shaped flowers arranged on the same side of the stem which emit a characteristic fragrance with floral and musky notes. After pollination by insects, small red-orange berries containing seeds are formed. All parts of lily of the valley are toxic.

Plant Convallaria Bordeaux at the edge of woodland, in borders or near a pathway to enjoy its fragrance. It can be paired with small periwinkles, wood hyacinths, perennial bleeding hearts, or mondo grass.