Lily of the valley is a spring-flowering bulb that grows cute little bell-shaped flowers that smell very sweet. Lily of the valley is very easy to grow and may even become aggressive. However, the plant needs to be divided every so often to keep it from getting sick and crowded. Lily of the valley is easy to divide and doesn’t take long. The result is a more attractive plant with big, healthy flowers. Read on to learn how to divide a lily of the valley.
Lily of the valley is a lovely spring-blooming flower that is cherished for its sweet fragrance and delicate nodding white bell-shaped flowers. This hardy perennial spreads readily and can quickly take over a garden bed. That’s why gardeners often find themselves needing to transplant patches of lily of the valley to keep it contained.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully transplanting lily of the valley, including
When to Transplant Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley can be transplanted anytime during the growing season, but the best times are either early spring before growth resumes or fall after foliage has died back. Spring and fall transplanting allows the lily of the valley to establish new roots before going dormant or starting new growth
Transplanting in summer is also possible as long as you are diligent about watering the newly planted pips. Just be aware that summer transplanting runs a higher risk of transplant shock.
How to Prepare for Transplanting
Before you start digging, water the lily of the valley patch thoroughly a day or two before transplanting. This will make it easier to dig up the root mass.
Have the new planting holes prepared ahead of time in the new location. Space holes about 4 inches apart. Amend the soil with compost or peat moss to improve drainage and nutrients.
Digging Up the Lily of the Valley
Use a garden fork or shovel to loosen the soil and lift out sections of lily of the valley. Try to keep clumps intact as much as possible.
Gently shake or hose off excess soil so you can see the spreading rhizomes (called pips). Tease apart any congested sections so there is room for new growth.
Trim off any damaged roots or stems with clean, sharp pruners or scissors.
How to Replant Lily of the Valley
Place a section of lily of the valley in each prepped hole, positioning the crown just below the soil surface. Fill holes with amended soil, firming the soil gently around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting. Add 2-3 inches of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Aftercare
Keep the transplants consistently moist, but not soggy wet, for the first few weeks after transplanting. Aim for about an inch of water per week from rain or irrigation.
Monitor lily of the valley patches for any signs of transplant shock like wilting, yellowing leaves or slow growth. Transplant shock can last a few weeks until the new root system becomes established.
Fertilize established plantings in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer to encourage lush growth. Cut off any unsightly foliage in late fall after plants go dormant.
Transplanting Tips and Tricks
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Larger clumps or patches can be divided into smaller sections for transplanting. Just be sure each division has some roots and crowns.
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Transplant on a cloudy day or in late afternoon to avoid hot sun.
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Keep a perimeter of mulch around transplants to retain moisture and limit weed competition. Replenish as needed.
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Water the plants using a watering can with a rose attachment to avoid disturbing the new roots.
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Mark transplant locations with plant tags until you can remember placement. This prevents accidentally digging in the wrong spot later.
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Feed transplants with compost tea or fish emulsion a few weeks after transplanting to give them a nutrient boost.
Troubleshooting Transplant Issues
Slow growth: This is normal right after transplanting. Be patient and allow lily of the valley time to recover from disturbance and generate new roots before pushing top growth.
Few or no flowers: Transplant shock can sometimes cause lily of the valley to skip a season of flowering. Proper aftercare should lead to reblooming the following year.
Wilting/dieback: Ensure transplants are getting adequate water and are not planted too deeply. Rule out disease or pests on affected plants.
Failure to thrive: Poor drainage, deep planting, or inadequate moisture are common causes. Review growing conditions and make adjustments as needed.
With proper timing, care, and patience, transplanting lily of the valley can be quite successful. Follow these tips for moving this sweet spring flower with minimal stress or setback. Let us know if you have any other transplanting tricks for lily of the valley!
When to Split Lily of the Valley
When the plant is dormant, in the spring or fall, is the best time to divide lily of the valley. Taking lily of the valleys apart after it flowers makes sure that the plant’s energy can be used to grow roots and leaves. Four to six weeks before the first hard freeze in your area, divide lily of the valley. This way, there is ample time for healthy root development before the ground freezes.
How to Divide a Lily of the Valley
Water the plants a day or two ahead of time. Trim taller leaves and stalks down to about 5 or 6 inches (12-15 cm. ). Then, dig the rhizomes (also known as pips) with a trowel, spade, or garden fork. Dig carefully about 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm. ) around the clump to avoid cutting into the bulbs. Lift the bulbs carefully from the ground. You can gently pull the pips apart with your hands or use a trowel or another sharp garden tool to do it. If necessary, snip through tangled roots with garden shears. Discard any pips that appear soft, rotten, or unhealthy. Plant the split pips right away in a shady place where compost or well-rotted manure has been added to the soil. Allow 4 or 5 inches (10-13 cm. ) between each pip. If you are planting an entire clump, allow 1 to 2 feet (31-61 cm. ). Water well until the area is evenly moist but not saturated.
Choosing the Optimal Time to Transplant Lily of the Valley
FAQ
When can I transplant lily of the valley?
Do lily of the valley like sun or shade?
Where is the best place to plant lily of the valley?
How do you replant a lily of the valley?
Divide lily of the valley when the plant is dormant, or really whenever. Dig up the small rhizomes, called pips. Gently separate them and replant them about 4 inches (10 cm.) apart. Don’t worry about setting them out too far apart, as they will fill in rapidly. Water the pips in well after transplanting and keep them moist, not saturated.
How do you transplant Lily of the valley?
If you are transplanting from an existing patch, transplanting Lily of the valley is extremely simple. You will need a shovel to dig the plants, and a container in which to place them for transport to their new location. How Do You Dig Up Lily Of The Valley?
When should I transplant Lily of the valley?
If you plant your Lily of the valley under a deciduous tee, it will benefit from the leaf mulch in autum n. As with most plants, the best time to transplant is before active growth in spring. However Lily of the valley is very hardy, and we transplanted while it was blooming, with absolutely no disruption to the blooms whatsoever.
When should I transplant Lily of the valley pips?
As with most plants, the best time to transplant is before active growth in spring. However Lily of the valley is very hardy, and we transplanted while it was blooming, with absolutely no disruption to the blooms whatsoever. How Deep Do I Plant Lily Of The Valley Pips?
