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Native
British Lily
of the Valley Rhizomes
Latin:
Convallaria majalis
Other
Names: Fairy Cups, May Lilies
Distribution:
It grows wild in England
, parts of
Wales
and scattered
localities in Scotland.
Habitat: It thrives
in dry woodland and hedgerows on chalky soils.
It is suitable for naturalising in woodland and shady areas of
the garden.
It is fine in deep
shade, but you will get more flowers if it is grown in dappled
shade. It is extremely hardy, growing in the coldest regions.
Description: Perennial.
It is a short plant (15-20cm), with nodding, very fragrant white
bell-shaped flowers from May
to June.
Uses: Lily of the Valley has long been cultivated in British
gardens and an essential oil obtained from the flowers is still used in
the manufacture of perfumes and soaps. Lily
of the Valley can be useful for 'forcing' indoors during the winter
months.
Wildlife:
Attractive to bees.
Planting
Instructions for Rhizomes:
Plant rhizomes laid horizontally and 3 cm deep.
Ensure
that the top of the shoots (or 'pips') are 3 cm below the surface.
The rhizomes can be planted in autumn
through to spring.
Plant
the rhizomes as soon as possible upon receipt.
These
rhizomes were grown in
Britain
from
cultivated stock.
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