A Complete Guide on Dividing Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley, scientifically known as Convallaria majalis, is a charming herbaceous perennial that belongs to the asparagus family. This delightful plant grows from a rhizome and thrives beautifully in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 9. Originating from Europe and Asia, its delicate bell-shaped pink or white blossoms fragrance the spring garden with a delightful scent.
C. majalis is a vigorous grower that spreads via runner roots, making it a favorite for many gardeners. However, its invasive tendencies can cause it to take over garden borders and naturalize in shaded locations. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the importance of dividing lily of the valley to keep up with its aggressive growth and how to do it effectively.
Why Should You Divide Lily of the Valley?
Dividing, also known as splitting, lily of the valley is essential due to its fast-growing nature, consuming garden real estate at a rapid pace. Most gardeners perform this task every three to five years, although this timeframe can vary. When you notice your lily of the valley escaping its boundaries and encroaching on other areas, it’s time to take action.
Overcrowded patches of lily of the valley often result in poor blooming. By dividing the plants, you can thin them out, promoting healthy new roots, foliage, and flowers in the process.
Act While They Are Sleeping
Lily of the valley’s foliage remains green throughout the spring and summer, creating a lush ground cover in shaded areas of the landscape. As fall approaches, the green foliage transitions to brown, and red fruits begin to form and disperse seeds. These changes signify the beginning of dormancy, a period from fall to spring when the plant stops growing and rests. Dividing during dormancy causes minimal disruption to the plant’s lifecycle.
To divide and transplant in the fall, it’s crucial to dig up the rhizomes at least four weeks before the average first frost date for your region. This timing allows them to establish themselves before the ground freezes. Alternatively, you can unearth them in late winter to early spring, after the last frost date, to facilitate a smooth transition.
How to Divide Lily of the Valley
Performing the division process correctly is crucial to ensure the success of your lily of the valley plants. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to divide them effectively:
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In the fall, locate a patch of lily of the valley with shriveled leaves and/or fruit-bearing racemes. Wear gloves as all parts of C. majalis are toxic.
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Insert a long-handled garden fork a few inches away from the patch of rhizomes, and gently loosen and lift the mound.
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Once you can release the mound, you have two options:
- Relocate the entire mound by preparing the soil and setting it at the original depth.
- Separate the individual rhizomes by cutting roots and keeping only those with “pips,” the growing points that sprout shoots.
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Plant the separated rhizomes into loosened soil, leaving enough space between each for proper growth.
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Water the newly transplanted rhizomes thoroughly to help them establish successfully in their new location.
It’s best to divide lily of the valley during dormancy to ensure the plants bloom effectively the following year. By following these steps, you can maintain the health and beauty of your lily of the valley plants.
Love Your Lilies
Embracing the process of dividing lily of the valley allows you to rein in this dynamic perennial and prevent it from spreading uncontrollably. By thinning out the plants, you promote better blooming and improved airflow, reducing the risk of fungal development in your garden.
If you’re a lily of the valley enthusiast, share your thoughts on this lovely flower in the comments section below. Remember to incorporate this practice into your garden routine to ensure the continued health and vibrancy of your plants.
If you found this guide helpful and informative, consider exploring other flower division techniques such as how to divide and transplant Irises and how to propagate Astilbe flowers through division.
This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights into dividing lily of the valley to maintain a healthy and vibrant garden. By following these steps, you can effectively manage the growth of this dynamic perennial and enjoy its beautiful blooms year after year.
