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Asparagaceae
Lily of the Valley
Convallaria majalis
Return of happiness, purity, sweetness, humility, motherhood.
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Genus
- Convallaria
- Native to
- Europe, Asia
- Bloom season
- Late Spring
- Type
- rhizomatous perennial
- Height
- 15–30 cm
- Sunlight
- Partial to full shade
- Soil
- Moist, rich, humus-rich
- Water
- Regular
- Hardiness
- 3–8
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Did you know
- Lily of the valley is the national flower of Finland and the symbol of May 1st in France, where it's traditional to give a sprig of 'muguet' for luck.
- Despite the delicate appearance, all parts are highly toxic — even the water in a vase that held them can cause poisoning.
- Christian Dior named his iconic perfume 'Diorissimo' after the flower; muguet is one of the most expensive scents in perfumery to recreate synthetically.
- Kate Middleton (Princess of Wales) carried a bouquet of lily of the valley at her 2011 wedding to Prince William.
- The flowers contain over 30 cardiac glycosides; pharmaceutical compounds derived from them are still researched for heart medicine.