Where to Buy Lily of the Valley Plants for Your Garden

With its dainty, bell-shaped white flowers and lovely fragrance, lily of the valley is a cherished perennial. If you want to add this woodland classic to your garden, you may be wondering where to find lily of the valley plants for sale Luckily, it is easy to buy this charming plant from a variety of online and local sources

Buying Lily of the Valley Online

Purchasing lily of the valley online is convenient, and you can often find good deals The plants are typically sold bare root, meaning the roots are exposed without soil Here are some top online retailers to consider

Direct from Growers

Many lily of the valley growers sell direct to consumers through their own ecommerce websites. This allows you to buy directly from the source. Reputable online nurseries like Native Wildflowers and American Meadows offer bare root lily of the valley plants by mail order. You can often find volume discounts when purchasing multiple plants.

Amazon

Amazon carries bare root lily of the valley pips from various third-party sellers. There is a wide selection of plants at reasonable prices. Pay attention to each seller’s refund and warranty policies before purchasing.

Etsy

Many plant sellers on Etsy offer lily of the valley rhizomes for sale. Etsy provides buyer reviews so you can easily assess each shop’s reputation and service. Bare root plants are shipped in fall through early spring.

eBay

eBay is another option for finding lily of the valley plants for sale. Listings include single plants and bulk packs. Be sure to review the seller’s rating and return policy first.

When ordering lily of the valley online, spring and fall are the best times to have the bare root plants shipped. Avoid purchasing in summer when it is too hot for shipping delicate plants. Also, look for options to expedite shipping so the plants don’t sit in transit too long.

Buying at Local Nurseries

Visiting your local garden center is another great way to buy lily of the valley. You can hand select each plant and avoid shipping damages. Here are some tips for buying at nurseries:

• Shop in spring or fall when most perennials are in stock.

• Inspect plants carefully for healthy roots and growth points. Avoid any with brown, mushy roots.

• Look for potted plants with established root systems if planting in summer. Bare root plants need to be planted in spring or fall.

• Ask about guarantees and return policies in case plants fail to thrive.

• Get advice from staff on the best planting sites and care for your growing zone.

Well-stocked independent nurseries and local garden centers are ideal places to shop for lily of the valley. Big box stores may have a more limited plant selection.

What to Look for When Buying

When buying lily of the valley, either online or locally, check that the plants meet the following standards:

• Roots should be plump and firm, not shriveled. Avoid any rotten or mushy roots.

• Growth points where new stems arise should be visible at the top of rhizome pieces.

• Plants should include 3-5 rhizome sections per plant. The more growth points, the better.

• Foliage may be absent as lily of the valley dies back in winter. But avoid any dried out or totally dead rhizomes.

• Plants should be pest and disease free – no spots, wilting, etc.

• Packaging should keep roots hydrated. Bare root plants are best shipped in spring or fall.

Reputable sellers will package plants to protect the bare roots and minimize shipping damage. Still, it’s wise to unpack and inspect plants as soon as possible after receiving an order. Re-hydrate and trim any damaged roots before planting.

How Many Plants to Buy

Lily of the valley spreads readily, so you don’t need to buy large quantities. Here are some guidelines for quantities based on your planting goals:

• For a compact clump, buy 3-5 plants. Space 12-15 inches apart.

• For a floral border, space plants 6-8 inches apart in a staggered row. Buy 10-20 plants per 25-foot row.

• For groundcover, space plants 4-6 inches apart in staggered rows. Buy 25-50 plants per 25 square feet.

• For mass planting, space plants 3-4 inches apart. You may need 100+ plants to cover a larger area.

Buying too few plants often leads to disappointment. While lily of the valley will spread in time, most people want fuller growth faster. Invest in adequate numbers at planting time to allow for quick establishment.

When to Buy Lily of the Valley

Lily of the valley plants are offered for sale in spring and fall. Here are the optimal purchase seasons:

• Spring: The time from March to May is ideal for buying and planting bare root lily of the valley. Plants establish quickly with the warming soil and frequent spring rains.

• Fall: September through November is another planting window for lily of the valley. Growth slows as the plant goes dormant for winter.

Buying lily of the valley in summer is more challenging as the heat makes shipping bare root plants risky. Potted plants are a better option for summer planting. You may also find plants for sale in winter, but selection is limited until new spring stock arrives.

With the right source, you can obtain lily of the valley plants any season. Use spring and fall for best pricing and availability on bare root plants. Potted plants ship better in hot summer months. Order early for the healthiest plants and best discounts.

How to Plant Lily of the Valley

Once you buy your lily of the valley rhizomes, proper planting is key. Here is a quick guide to get your new plants established:

• Prepare a planting bed in partial to full shade with rich, moist soil amended with compost.

• Soak bare roots in water for 30 minutes before planting if dry.

• Dig a hole large enough to spread roots. Plant crowns just below soil surface.

• Space plants 8-15 inches apart depending on desired density.

• Water thoroughly after planting and mist leaves if transplanting in summer.

• Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch like wood chips or leaves to conserve moisture.

With proper care after planting, your lily of the valley plants will thrive. Water during dry periods for the first year. Remove flower stems after blooming to focus energy on root growth. By the second season, plants will spread into a fragrant carpet of white blossoms.

Enjoy Lily of the Valley from Your Garden

The sweet elegance of lily of the valley is easy to add to your own landscape. Shop from reputable online nurseries or local garden centers to buy top quality bare root plants. With proper planting and care, your lily of the valley will soon grow into a beautiful flower bed or groundcover that blooms year after year.