Convallaria majalis Flora Pleno - Lily of the Valley

The Convallaria majalis 'Flore Pleno' is a type of florist's Lily of the Valley with fragrant white flowers and double petals. This charming variety blooms at the same time as wild Lily of the Valley in May. Although it grows more slowly, it is an excellent addition to gardens and bouquets as it is easy to cultivate and creates a beautiful ground cover under trees.

The Convallaria majalis Flore Pleno, also known as the Lily of the Valley or May Lily, is a plant that belongs to the Convallariaceae or Liliaceae family, depending on its classification. It is native to cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, such as Europe, Asia, and North America. The Florist's Lily of the Valley is a hardy plant and is easy to grow, making it popular among gardeners. It can grow in sunny and shady areas but prefers light soil and cool temperatures to bloom and spread abundantly.

The 'Flore Pleno' Lily of the Valley is a perennial plant that grows up to 12-15 cm (5-6in) in height. It has a rhizomatous shrub that forms fleshy claws and eventually covers the soil like a carpet. The above-ground vegetation emerges from the ground in spring and disappears in autumn, or sometimes during summer if it is dry. This variety develops large sheathing leaves at the base, which are lanceolate to elongate-ovate in shape, ending in a point. The leaves are dark green and measure 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5in) in length, and their lamina has numerous parallel veins, making them easy to identify.The plant usually flowers in early May, depending on the climate. Lily of the Valley is a plant with small, white, bell-shaped flowers that emit a pleasant scent. The flowers grow in clusters of three to five and hang from branches that are about 15-20 cm (6-8in) tall. The plant is toxic, so it is important to be cautious when handling it.

Plant the Flore Pleno Lily of the Valley somewhere prominent, along a shaded alley, on the patio, on the edge of undergrowth, near a walkway or in a large pot to enjoy its fragrance. Pair it with periwinkles, wood hyacinths, liriopes, perennial bleeding hearts, blue forget-me-nots, or ophiopogons.