Mughetto

Class

Angiospermae

Division

Monocotyledonae

Family

Asparagaceae

Order

Asparagales

Genus

Convallaria

Species

majalis

Description

Commonly known as Lily of the Valley, it is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Asparagaceae botanical family, and characterised by spring raceme-like inflorescences bearing intensely fragrant, bell-shaped white corolla flowers. Suitable for landscape use, also in mixed compositions with other ornamental species, as well as in large pots creating dense, compact groups.

curiosity and special features

The name of the botanical genus derives from convallis, or convalle or slope, as the Latin name for lily of the valley was Lilium convallium or Lily of the Valley, while the specific epithet majalis derives from Maius, or May, referring to the flowering period. In France, it is customary to give the cut flower of the lily of the valley as a gift on May Day.

Origin and Diffusion

Botanical Species native to the range extending from Europe to the Caucasus.

Leaf

The leaves, surrounded by membranous sheaths, have an elongated, lanceolate lamina 5/6 cm wide and up to 13/15 cm long.

Leaf color

Leafs are solid-coloured and shiny, with a glabrous surface and many parallel veins.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.15 to 0.3 m, also ideal for creating dense canopies at the foot of tree species.

Lifespan

Perennial rhizomatous herbaceous Species; during the autumn-winter period it tends to shed its aerial part and then vegetate again the following spring.

Suggested planting locations

Its vigorous growth as well as the elegance given by the lush, fragrant blooms make lily of the valley ideal for gardens and parks.

It is mainly a landscaping species for cooler locations but is also suitable for cultivation in pots, using several plants in large pots.

Stem/stem

The scapes are herbaceous.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, small in size, with a bell-shaped corolla and plain petals. It is arranged in raceme or cluster inflorescences of medium size. It flowers from mid to late spring, with a flowering period of between 15 and 30 days. It is intensely fragrant with a delicate aroma. It is attractive to beetles, bees and bumblebees.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is tape-like, ideal for creating dense foliage coverings from which the raceme-like Inflorescences emerge.

branching

It develops thin, creeping rhizomes.

pH

The optimal Soil pH for lily of the valley is slightly acidic, with values between 5.2 and 6.5.

soil preparation

Before transplanting in early autumn/late winter, carry out light digging to remove any weeds, residues of previous crops and bulky stones, then bury organic or chemical fertiliser and lightly ballast the soil to create a raised flower bed that will promote proper drainage of excess water. If the soil is too compact and heavy, it is advisable to also bury sand evenly.

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sun exposure

Requires exposures in half shade, bright shade as evidenced by its natural habitat of open woodland and undergrowth in lowland and mountainous areas.

Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours.

Ideal climate and temperature

It prefers a cool climate. The ideal temperature is between 14 and 26 °C. The vital temperature is between -8 and 36 °C.

Use

The uniqueness and high ornamental value of its inflorescences make it a widely appreciated plant for the following areas of use:
Outdoor ornamental Landscaping For cut flowers, for cut foliage

Hardiness

Of medium rusticity.

Soil/medium

It requires a light, sandy or medium-textured, fresh and well-draining soil. For cultivation in pots, use a high-quality substrate for spring plants, containing peat and perlite.

Maintenance

Under the right environmental conditions, the cultivation of lily of the valley is easy with a low level of maintenance.

cultivation tips

Some specific cultivation guidelines for best growth and flowering results:
Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Prefers cool climate

Composition

Suitable in composition with other ornamental herbaceous plants such as Aquilegia flabellata, Bergenia cordifolia, Helleborus, Pulmonaria, Vinca and Viola odorata by means of predefined design schemes prior to transplanting in relation to the colour shades of the blooms and the heights reached by each plant.