Growing Gorgeous Variegated Lily of the Valley in Your Garden

As a longtime gardener and flower enthusiast, I’ve always had a soft spot for lily of the valley. Their delicate white bell-shaped blooms and sweet fragrance evoke images of lush woodland gardens. But the normal green-leafed variety can sometimes get lost among other plants. That’s why I was so excited to discover variegated lily of the valley!

With their beautifully striped foliage, these special lilies really stand out. The eye-catching leaves provide the perfect backdrop for those charming flowers. In this article I’ll share everything you need to know about growing variegated lily of the valley yourself and highlight just what makes them so special.

Let’s start with an overview of this fantastic perennial:

• Botanical name – Convallaria majalis ‘Albostriata’

• Also known as – Lily of the valley ‘Albostriata’, Convallaria majalis ‘Striata’ Convallaria majalis ‘Variegata’

• Plant type – Herbaceous perennial

• Key features – White bell-shaped blooms in spring above lush green and white striped leaves

• Size – Grows 6 to 8 inches tall and spreads readily to form colonies

• Ideal conditions – Part to full shade; moist, well-drained soil

Now that we’ve covered the vitals, let’s look at what sets variegated lily of the valley apart.

What Makes Variegated Lily of the Valley So Unique

There are a few key traits that make these special lilies really stand out:

• The foliage – Each leaf is striped lengthwise with green and creamy white. This bright variegation lights up shady spots.

• Fast spread – Variegated lily of the valley spreads vigorously via underground rhizomes to quickly form a lush carpet of striped leaves.

• Sweet fragrance – In mid to late spring, the nodding bell flowers emit a lovely, gentle scent.

• Easy care – Once established, lily of the valley is easy to grow and trouble-free. Deer and rabbit resistant too!

Let’s explore how to grow these beauties successfully so you can enjoy their charms.

Growing Variegated Lily of the Valley in Your Garden

Here is a step-by-step guide to get your variegated lily of the valley planting thriving:

Choose the Right Spot

• Select a shady location with rich, moist soil. Dappled sunlight or morning sun is okay.

• Give them space to spread out and form colonies. A woodland garden or shade border is ideal.

Prepare the Soil

• Work in compost or leaf mold to enrich the soil before planting. Good drainage is essential.

• If needed, you can also mix in peat moss to improve moisture retention in quick-draining soils.

Plant the Rhizomes

• Plant in spring or fall, setting the rhizomes just 1-2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart.

• Water well after planting and mulch around the plants with chopped leaves or pine needles.

Provide Care Over Time

• Keep the soil evenly moist. Add a layer of compost around the plants each year.

• Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming. Divide congested patches every 2-3 years.

• Resist the urge to harvest flowers the first two seasons so your colony can establish.

Enjoy the Results!

Follow this advice and you’ll have a thriving carpet of variegated lily of the valley in no time!

Tips for Growing Healthy Variegated Lily of the Valley

Here are some additional useful tips to help your variegated lily of the valley flourish:

• Site them near plants with contrasting foliage like ferns or hostas to really make their stripes pop.

• Cut back the flower stems after blooming to maintain the plants’ vigor. Don’t cut the leaves.

• Apply an organic fertilizer or compost in early spring to support growth.

• Water them during dry spells to keep the soil consistently moist. Drought causes decline.

• Divide congested patches every few years to rejuvenate growth. Replant the rhizome divisions.

• Remove spent leaves and flower stems before new growth emerges in spring to keep plants tidy.

Common Problems With Variegated Lily of the Valley

While quite robust overall, variegated lily of the valley can encounter a few potential problems:

• Poor flowering – Insufficient light, overcrowding, or overharvesting flowers can limit blooming.

• Leaves drying out – Drought stress causes foliage to turn brown along the edges. Keep soil moist.

• Few striped leaves – Revert to solid green leaves if light levels are too low. Move to a brighter spot.

• Rust fungus – Reddish spots on leaves. Improve air circulation and remove affected foliage promptly.

• Leaf spot – Small brown lesions on leaves. Usually cosmetic. Prune affected leaves and avoid overhead watering.

Fantastic Uses for Variegated Lily of the Valley

One of the best qualities of variegated lily of the valley is its versatility:

• Grow as an attractive flowering ground cover in shady beds and woodland gardens.

• Use it as an edging plant along pathways, under trees, or around foundation plantings.

• Plant it under roses or shrubs where the foliage will stand out nicely.

• Let it spread to form a lush living carpet around spring bulbs like tulips or daffodils.

• Cut the blooms to add delightful fragrance to floral arrangements and bouquets.

With the right care, you’ll be enjoying the beauty and heady scent of variegated lily of the valley for years to come. The striped leaves make them extra special. I hope these tips help you successfully grow this wonderful classic perennial in your own garden!

Frequency of Entities:
variegated lily of the valley: 20
lily of the valley: 16
leaves: 14
flowers: 7
soil: 7
plant: 5
rhizomes: 4