The irresistible charm of lily of the valley is hard to match. This groundcover charms with its sweet scent and scallop-edged, bell-shaped white flowers dangling atop emerald-green foliage. Though tough to beat, several plants mimic the delicate beauty of lily of the valley.
Lily of the valley, or Convallaria majalis is in the asparagus family. Its name comes from the Latin words Vallis meaning ‘valley,’ and majalis, meaning ‘blooming in May.’ Native to Eurasia, it thrives in shady nooks. In spring, petite yet intensely fragrant white blooms line the stems for weeks. The flowers become bright orange-red berries in fall.
Even though it only grows to be 10 inches tall at most, lily of the valley spreads slowly and often invasively through forests. But there are many beautiful lookalikes that you can use to be beautiful without being mean. Here are 10 beauties that resemble lily of the valley.
1. Japanese Pieris
Japanese pieris, or Pieris japonica, is an evergreen shrub called the lily-of-the-valley shrub for good reason – its flowers closely resemble lily of the valley. Glossy leaves change from reddish-bronze to green through the seasons. Early spring brings drooping clusters of creamy white or pale pink blooms.
Slow-growing pieris offers year-round interest and easy care for borders and foundations. Give it sun or part shade and moist, organically rich, well-draining soil.
2. Snowdrops
Snowdrops, or Galanthus nivalis, are happy flowers that bloom in late winter and often stick out of the snow. Snowdrops are only 10 inches tall, just like lily of the valley. Nodding, pure white, bell-like flowers dangle above gray-green foliage. The early blooms of established snowdrops make people feel better in late winter.
Pest and disease resistant snowdrops thrive with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Plant in sweeping drifts, patios, rock gardens, or under trees and shrubs.
3. Spring Snowflake
The spring snowflake, or Leucojum vernum, is a bulb perennial that grows in Europe and Asia. In early spring, bell-shaped white flowers with yellow tips on their tepals bloom, looking like lily of the valley.
Despite small size, spring snowflakes thrive with full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained, rich soil. Plant in large drifts, borders, or rock gardens for charming effect.
4. Swamp Doghobble
Eubotrys racemosa, or swamp doghobble, is a deciduous shrub with shiny leaves. Branches have clusters of white bell-shaped flowers that hang down, making the plant look like it is weeping.
As its name suggests, swamp doghobble thrives in wet areas. Give it partial shade and consistent moisture. Use it in shrub borders, cottage gardens, or woodland gardens. Note that most parts are poisonous if ingested.
5. Ladybells
Ladybells, or Adenophora bulleyana, are perennials related to campanulas. Late spring brings spikes of bell-shaped, periwinkle blue blooms. Common ladybells reach 24-36 inches tall, while lilyleaf and purple ladybells reach 18-24 inches. They thrive in full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
Charming in cottage, prairie, or woodland gardens, ladybells’ blooms draw bees and butterflies.
6. Peach-Leaved Bellflower
Peach-leaved bellflower, or Campanula persicifolia, is a fast-growing perennial with abundant blue, white, or lilac bell-shaped summer flowers over vibrant foliage.
Reaching 24 inches tall, peach-leaved bellflowers thrive with partial shade to full sun and consistently moist, well-drained soil. Preferring cool summers and mild winters, plant in groups for colors in perennial borders or containers. The butterfly-attracting blooms are long-lived.
7. Fetterbush
Fetterbush, or Pieris floribunda, is an evergreen shrub prized for fragrant, white to blush pink, bell-shaped spring blooms weighing down arching branches.
Naturally occurring in wetlands, fetterbush can reach 6 feet tall and wide. Give it partial shade and consistently moist, well-drained soil. Use it along ponds, streams, or in woodland or cottage gardens. But note that it’s toxic to humans and animals.
8. Twinflower
Twinflower, or Linnaea borealis, is a creeping, mat-forming perennial. It gets its name from pairs of tiny, bell-like pink and white blooms nodding on thin, Y-shaped stalks. Round paired leaves also appear twinned on the stem.
The fragrant summer flowers last just a week. Reaching 10 inches tall with minimal care needs, fast-spreading twinflower is ideal for wildflower gardens or as an evergreen ground cover.
9. Squirrel Corn
Squirrel corn, or Dicentra canadensis, is a spring-flowering tuberous perennial with arching stems bearing dangling, white, heart-shaped blooms amidst lacy blue-green foliage.
Use squirrel corn in part shade woodland gardens for its delightful spring blooms. Give it moist, humus-rich, well-draining soil. Note that as a poppy relative, the plant is toxic to humans and animals.
10. Summer Snowflake
Despite its name, summer snowflake, or Leucojum aestivum, blooms in spring. With bell-shaped white flowers, it resembles lily of the valley, sometimes reaching 24 inches tall in wet, well-drained soil.
This bulb perennial is hardy to zone 4. It makes a beautiful addition to any garden with its graceful nodding blooms. Plant en masse for best effect.
With so many options, you can easily find beautiful bell-shaped blooms reminiscent of lily of the valley from early spring through summer without the aggressive spreading. Any of these 10 plants would make a charming addition to your garden.
Pink Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
The pink foxglove is a beautiful biennial plant known for its tall, spiky flower spikes with bell-shaped, tubular blooms that can be soft pink or deep purple. These flowers bloom from late spring to early summer and make a beautiful vertical display in gardens. They also attract many pollinators, such as bees and hummingbirds. Foxgloves thrive in well-drained soil and prefer partial shade, making them suitable for woodland gardens and cottage-style landscapes. The plants lush green foliage forms a rosette at the base, enhancing its visual appeal. While beautiful, its important to note that all parts of the Foxglove plant are toxic if ingested, so caution should be exercised in gardens frequented by pets and children. With their enchanting appearance and ability to create dramatic effects, Pink Foxgloves are a favorite among gardeners looking to add height and color to their landscapes.
Pink Bell Shaped Flowers
Pink Campanula, also called the white bellflower, is a pretty perennial plant with beautiful pink flowers that nod in the air that grow in groups on tall, thin stems. This type blooms from late spring to early summer and adds a soft, romantic touch to gardens. It grows to be 2 to 4 feet tall. The bell-shaped flowers are not only visually appealing but also attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Pink Campanula thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it adaptable to different garden conditions. Its sturdy stems make it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements, allowing gardeners to enjoy its beauty both indoors and outdoors. With its delightful blooms and graceful form, Pink Campanula is a beloved addition to any garden, bringing elegance and charm to flower beds and borders.
Lily of the Valley – how to grow/convallaria majalis/toxic/invasive plant
FAQ
Is there a plant that looks like the lily of the valley?
False Lily-of-the-Valley (Maianthemum dilatatum) – Sparrowhawk Native Plants.
What is similar to lilies of the valley?
Looking for a native alternative to Lily of the Valley? Choose shade-loving groundcovers like wild ginger, foamflower, or Canada mayflower. These plants offer beautiful foliage and spring blooms, support local wildlife, and won’t become invasive.
What flower resembles the lily of the valley?
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Woodland Trusthttps://www.woodlandtrust.org.ukLily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis) – Woodland TrustMay lily (Maianthemum bifolium) has leaves which may look similar to those of lily-of-the-valley but they grow halfway up the stem. The leaves of lily-of-the-va…
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Plantura Magazinhttps://plantura.gardenLily of the valley: flowers, varieties & toxicity – Plantura MagazinLily of the valley leaves resemble those of the likewise poisonous autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) and edible wild garlic (Allium ursinum). … Autumn crocu…
What lilies grow in the valley?
There are several lily of the valley cultivars, including: ‘Rosea’ produces rosy pink flowers. ‘Flore Pleno’ is valued for its larger, double-bell flowers. ‘Fortin’s Giant’ boasts larger flowers. ‘Hardwick Hall’ is a vigorous grower with yellow chartreuse edges on the foliage. ‘Albostriata’ has an open habit and white-streaked leaves.
What do lilies look like?
Clivia flowers are typically orange or yellow. Both plants have long, sturdy stems that hold up their blooms. The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) and Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) are two plants that have foliage that resembles that of lilies. Peace Lily leaves are large and glossy, while Lily of the Valley leaves are small and delicate.
What plants go well with Lily of the valley?
Also known as Foamflower, Tiarella produces spires of airy flowers that complement lily of the valley’s bell-shaped blooms, creating a harmonious and textured planting. 9. Epimedium This low-maintenance ground cover pairs well with lily of the valley, sharing a preference for shaded conditions and adding diversity to your garden floor. 10. Trillium.
Are Lily of the valley hard to grow?
I love the contradictory nature of lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis). The small, bell-shaped blooms look delicate and sweet, yet the plant is anything but. It’s actually tough as nails and can survive in some very adverse conditions. It also spreads itself determinedly.
What is a lily of the valley?
Lily of the valley has beautiful flowers. This plant does well in shade and likes it when it’s wet, so it’s often used as ground cover, in borders, or in rock gardens. It’s also a popular choice for floral arrangements and bouquets, symbolizing purity and happiness.
What flowers look like lilies?
Daylilies come in a wide range of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, and red. They are also known for their fragrant blooms that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Other plants with lily-like flowers include the amaryllis and the Clivia plant. Both of these plants have large, showy blooms that resemble those of lilies.