Botanical Name:
Convallaria majalis
General Description/History:
This flower is valued primarily for its scent, as Lily-of-the-Valley is not much to look at. Stems are short and bear up to 15 small, white, bell-shaped flowers that open from the bottom of each stem upwards. Leaves are large, broad and lily-like.
Lily-of-the-Valley is grown in field plantations. Supplies come mostly from Victoria, NSW and Qld.
Common Names:
Lily of the Valley
Stem Length:
20 to 40 cm
Country Of Origin:
Europe
Available Colours:
White
Availability:
What to look for:
- Buy when at least 1/3 of the flowers are open and showing full colour as buds do not open in the vase;
- Buy bunches with strong perfume.
Flower Care:
1. Keep cool at all times.
2. Strip leaves from the lower half of each stem and wash stem ends thoroughly.
3. Recut at least 1 cm off each stem and place in water immediately.
4. Always use a preservative as this will help maintain the perfume.
5. Replace vase water with fresh preservative every day.
6. Place in cold water if stems are limp.
Interesting Facts about this Flower:
The flower is also known as ‘Our Lady’s Tears’ as, according to legend, the tears Mary shed at the cross turned into Lilies of the Valley. By tradition, Lily of the Valley is sold in France in the streets on May Day, May 1st. Lily of the Valley is also the national flower of Finland.
