Convallaria majalis Bridal Choice - Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis 'Bridal Choice' is a selection of lily of the valley whose floral stems bear more, larger, white bell-shaped flowers than those of the traditional lily of the valley, with the same enchanting fragrance. This selection blooms at the same time as its wild cousin, in the middle of spring. It is a robust and very hardy perennial ground cover for shady areas, easy to grow in almost all regions.

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

Convallaria majalis 'Bridal Choice' is a perennial plant 20-22 cm (8-9in) tall which has a rhizome shaped like fleshy claws and develops into a dense mat, quickly colonizing the soil. The deciduous vegetation emerges from the ground in spring and disappears in autumn. This variety develops large, dark green sheathing leaves at the base, lanceolate to elongated oval, ending in a point. Each one is 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8in) long, with numerous parallel veins. The plant blooms from April to May in clusters about 22 cm (9in) tall, adorned with about ten small white bell-shaped flowers, 1.3 cm (1in) wide by 5 mm (0in) tall, arranged on the same side of the stem. These flowers have a characteristic fragrance, with floral and musky notes. After pollination by insects, small red-orange berries containing seeds form. All parts of Lily of the Valley are toxic.

Plant Lily of the valley Bridal Choice on the edge of woodland, in a border, near a path, or even in a large pot to enjoy its fragrance. Associate it with small periwinkles, wood hyacinths, perennial Bleeding Hearts, or Mondo grass, for example.