My woodland garden has had Convallaria majalis ‘Bordeaux,’ which is another name for Bordeaux Lily of the Valley, for years, and I’m so excited to share everything I know about this wonderful plant with you! This guide will help you succeed with this beautiful perennial, no matter how much experience you have with gardening.
What Makes Bordeaux Lily of the Valley Special?
It’s not your grandmother’s normal Lily of the Valley; it’s more like the fancy cousin who came to the family reunion! Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Larger bell-shaped flowers (8-12 bells per stem vs. 6-8 on regular varieties)
- Pure white blooms held above the foliage (not hidden between leaves)
- Darker green, more rounded tulip-like foliage
- Super fragrant flowers (they’re even used in perfumes!)
- Produces cute orange berries after flowering
Growing Requirements
Light & Location
- Partial to full shade (< 6 hours direct sun)
- Can handle full sun in northern regions if soil stays moist
- Perfect for woodland gardens and shady spots
Soil & Water
- Loves fertile, humus-rich soil
- pH range: 5.8-6.5
- Needs consistent moisture
- Tolerates summer drought once established
Size & Spread
- Height: 6-10 inches
- Spread: 8-15 inches
- Grows rapidly as ground cover
Hardiness
- Zones 2-8 (super tough!)
- Handles cold like a champ
Planting Tips
-
Best Planting Time
- Late winter to early spring
- Fall planting also works great
-
Planting Process
- Dig holes large enough for roots
- Plant pips with pointy end up
- Tips should stick slightly above soil
- Space 6-12 inches apart
- Water thoroughly after planting
Maintenance & Care
Annual Care
- Add organic compost in fall
- Keep soil consistently moist
- No pruning needed (yay, less work!)
Container Growing
- Use 4 pips per gallon container
- Commercial potting mix works best
- Takes 6-8 weeks to finish
Potential Problems
Watch out for
- Weevils
- Nematodes
- Anthracnose
- Leaf spots
- Crown gall
Design Ideas & Companion Plants
I love pairing Bordeaux Lily of the Valley with these shade-loving buddies
- Hostas (try ‘When I Dream’)
- Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
- Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
- Bergenia ‘Miss Piggy’
- Anemone ‘Curtain Call Deep Rose’
Warning! (Important Stuff)
Let’s get real: this plant is AGGRESSIVE! It’s great for hiding trouble spots and smothering weeds, but once it gets going, it will spread like crazy. Don’t plant it in small garden beds where it could take over your other plants; plant it where you want a full ground cover.
Uses in the Garden
- Ground cover for slopes and riverbanks
- Woodland garden feature
- Cut flowers (smells amazing!)
- Container plantings
- Border plant
- Deer-resistant garden areas
My Personal Experience
I put Bordeaux Lily of the Valley in my shady backyard three years ago, and let me tell you, it’s changed everything! In the spring, it smells amazing, and it’s filled in the empty spots under my maple trees where nothing else would grow.
Tips for Success
- Be patient! It might take a season to get established
- Don’t skimp on soil prep – add lots of organic matter
- Keep well-watered during the first growing season
- Plant where it can spread freely
- Consider containing it with barriers if you’re worried about spread
Seasonal Interest
- Spring: Main show with fragrant white flowers
- Summer: Attractive dark green ground cover
- Fall: Orange berries add interest
- Winter: Dies back but returns reliably
FAQs
Q: Will it grow in full sun?
A: It can in northern regions if kept moist, but shade is better.
Q: How fast does it spread?
A: Pretty quick once established – expect significant spread in 2-3 years.
Q: Can I divide it?
A: Yep! Best done in early spring or fall.
Where to Buy
You can find Bordeaux Lily of the Valley at:
- Local garden centers
- Online nurseries
- Specialty perennial nurseries
Listen up, y’all – if you’re looking for a tough, beautiful, and fragrant ground cover for your shady spots, Bordeaux Lily of the Valley is your new BFF. Just remember to give it space to do its thing, and you’ll be rewarded with years of spring-time magic!
Happy gardening, everyone! Drop a comment below if you’ve got questions about growing this beauty – I’d love to help!
#gardening #perennials #shadegarden #groundcover #springflowers
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