Add Some Charm to Your Shade Garden with Variegated Lily of the Valley

As a gardener, I’m always looking for plants that can make shady spots look better. One that has recently caught my attention is the valley lily with different colored petals. This lovely perennial makes a classic shade plant look more elegant with its striped leaves and sweet-smelling flowers.

In this article, I’ll share some key details about variegated lily of the valley to help you learn more about this enchanting variety. Let’s explore why you should consider adding it to your own shade garden!

Variegated lily of the valley, or Convallaria majalis ‘Albostriata, is a perennial herb in the asparagus family. It is a type of the common lily of the valley, but its leaves have creamy white stripes on them.

Here are some quick facts:

• Grows 6-8 inches tall and spreads readily via rhizomes
• Blooms in late spring with nodding, bell-shaped white flowers
• Thrives in partial to full shade
• Leaves are green with longitudinal creamy stripes
• Spreads through underground rhizomes to form colonies
• Flowers are sweetly fragrant
• Deer resistant and rabbit resistant

The Unique Traits of Variegated Lily of the Valley

Variegated lily of the valley differs from the solid green species in a few key ways

Striking Foliage

Theleaves are green with longitudinal creamy white stripes. This bright variegation really makes the plants stand out in shady garden beds and adds great contrast when paired with ferns or hostas.

Vigorous Spread

Once planted, variegated lily of the valley spreadsrelatively quickly via underground rhizomes to form lush, dense colonies. The striped leaves carpet the ground below and around other plants.

Sweet Fragrance

In late spring, the white bell-shaped flowers that nod give off a lovely, soft scent that fills the garden. The blooms make elegant cut flowers too.

Easy Care

Variegated lily of the valley thrives with minimal care. The plants can handle being drier once they’re established and are resistant to deer and rabbits. Few pests or diseases bother them.

How to Grow Variegated Lily of the Valley

Variegated lily of the valley is easy to grow when provided with its preferred conditions:

Location: Select a shady site with dappled sunlight or morning sun. It thrives in zones 3-9.

Soil: Rich, moist, well-draining soil is ideal. Enrich with compost or leaf mold.

Planting: Set rhizomes 1-2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in spring or fall. Water well after planting.

Care: Keep soil consistently moist. Mulch plants with chopped leaves or pine needles. Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming.

Propagation: Divide congested patches every 2-3 years. Transplant divisions to rejuvenate growth.

With proper care, variegated lily of the valley will quickly spread to form a beautiful carpet in shady garden areas. The sweet-scented flowers and striped foliage add wonderful texture and charm!

Handy Growing Tips for Variegated Lily of the Valley

Here are some helpful pointers to get the most out of variegated lily of the valley in your landscape:

• Site near plants with contrasting foliage like ferns for striking color combinations

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

• Water during dry periods to keep soil moist and prevent decline

• Prune flower stems after blooming to maintain plant vigor

• Remove spent leaves and debris in spring before new growth emerges

• Provide afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch

• Divide congested patches every 2-3 years to rejuvenate growth

• Resist harvesting flowers the first couple seasons to allow colonies to establish

Common Problems and Solutions

Variegated lily of the valley is quite robust, but may encounter a few potential problems:

Poor flowering: Ensure adequate sunlight. Divide overcrowded patches and resist overharvesting flowers.

Leaves drying out: Drought stress causes browning on leaf edges. Maintain even soil moisture.

Few variegated leaves: Low light levels cause reversion to solid green leaves. Move plants to a brighter shady spot.

Leaf spots: Small brown lesions on leaves are usually cosmetic. Improve air circulation and prune affected foliage.

Rust: Reddish fungal spots on leaves. Remove affected foliage promptly and avoid excessive moisture on leaves.

Fantastic Uses for Variegated Lily of the Valley

The versatility of variegated lily of the valley makes it useful in many garden applications:

• Groundcover in shady beds and woodland gardens

• Edging along pathways, under trees, or around foundations

• Living carpet to surround bulbs like tulips or daffodils

• Underplanting for roses, shrubs, and trellised plants

• Sweet-scented cut flowers for floral arrangements

• Focal point for shady container plantings

• Complement and contrast for ferns, hostas, and other shade plants

With proper siting and care, variegated lily of the valley is an easy yet showy addition to landscapes. It works well in designs from cottage gardens to more formal borders. The sweet scent and striped foliage add delightful spring charm!

If you’re looking to bring some visual pop and fragrance to shaded areas, be sure to consider variegated lily of the valley. Compared to the species, the striped creamy leaves and sweet blooms definitely make this perennial a standout.

Use the growing tips provided to successfully incorporate variegated lily of the valley in your own garden. With a little patience for it to establish, you’ll have a thriving colon of this wonderful plant brightening up your landscape for years to come. The unique variegation sets it apart from other shade plants and makes it a delightful addition. Give variegated lily of the valley a try this spring!