While I study flora biotechnology , I often cogitate about how bad it is for nature when people do n’t know enough about it or spread assumed entropy . That is why I am so passionate about bringing people and nature nigher together again . Favourite yield : hoot , strawberry and pineapple plant Favourite veggie : courgette , broccoli and cucumber vine .
The fragrant lily of the valley symbolise sincerity , humility and purity . There are many pretty types of Convallaria majalis heyday that flower in the saltation and supply a lot of mantrap to gardens .
If , as you walk through the Wood in the spring , you smell something strong , fresh , and flowery , look more closely at the underbrush . With a bit of luck , you will observe small , white-hot , bell - shaped bloom on foresighted stems . These are likely lilies of the vale . Read on to learn all about lily of the valley , including its flowering time , diversity and more .
With its elegant , nod blank blossoms and sweet fragrance , the beloved lily of the valley contain a particular place in many gardens However , Convallaria majalis is look at an alien invasive in portion of North America The good word is many native woodland plants make excellent alternatives that catch the magical spell and collection of lily of the valley without the environmental vexation .
If you ’re seeking non - invasive backup man here are 10 terrific native plant life that resemble lily of the valley in growth habit , floral display or other trait
1. False Lily of the Valley (Maianthemum dilatatum)
Perhaps the confining aboriginal lookalike is Maianthemum dilatatum , also called false lily of the valley or two - leave Solomon ’s Navy SEAL . This woodland repeated gap by rhizome to form lush carpets of foliage lead with dainty blank bloom on slender arched stems in outflow . The paired leaves resemble lily of the valley . grow 1 - 2 infantry marvellous . Zones 3 - 7 .
2. Feather Solomon’s Seal (Maianthemum racemosum)
Another Solomon ’s stamp congenator , Maianthemum racemosum produce plumage of tiny white flower that dangling along the stem like lily of the valley blossoms The ellipse leave of absence are alternate rather than geminate but the overall tone is quite alike Grows 1 - 3 feet tall . geographical zone 3 - 8 .
3. Starry False Lily of the Valley (Maianthemum stellatum)
Also call starflower delusive lily of the valley , this timber perennial has delicate star - shaped white flowers that resemble Convallaria . The leaves are pair like true lily of the valley . Forms colony in shady areas . uprise 1 - 2 feet grandiloquent . Zones 3 - 7 .
4. Canada Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)
value for its lush groundcover abilities , the kernel - shaped leave and low - growing wont of wild ginger resemble lily of the valley foliage . The unusual chocolate-brown - over-embellished flowers blot out at ground level rather than exhibit openly . produce 6 - 12 inches tall . Zones 3 - 8 .
5. Appalachian Bells (Streptopus lanceolatus)
While the bloom differ , Appalachian bells makes a prissy stand-in for the curve flower halt and whorled parting of Convallaria . White whizz - forge flowers dangle under the leaves . material body colonies in dampish Natalie Wood . turn 1 - 3 infantry tall . Zones 3 - 7 .
6. Fringed Bromeliad (Tillandsia balbisiana)
For a houseplant alternative , this tropical air industrial plant has foresightful , grassy leaves that emerge from a central bulb like lily of the valley leaf . The tube-shaped blue flowers are a bonus . farm 6 - 12 inches improbable . zone 9 - 11 .
7. Canada Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense)
Also known as Canadian lily of the valley , this diminutive timber perennial produces clustering of tiny snowy blooms on short vertical stem with paired leaves below . The flower shape differs but the overall effect is quite similar . Grows 4 - 6 inches marvellous . Zones 3 - 8 .
8. Pearlwort (Sagina subulata)
A moss - like evergreen plant groundcover , pearlwort forms low mats of lush foliage . The small bloodless flower held above on wiry stems sum up to the lily of the vale resemblance . Grows 1 - 4 inch tall . Zones 4 - 8 .
9. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
The spiraling folio and spread of scented waldmeister resemble Convallaria even before the small-scale white blossom appear . The sweetly perfumed leafage is a fillip . Grows 6 - 12 inch tall . geographical zone 4 - 8 .
10. Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)
in conclusion , foamflower makes a good native groundcover alternative to lily of the valley , with its clustering of starry blank bloom on short capitulum above a spreading carpeting of leafy foliage . Grows 6 - 12 inches improbable . Zones 3 - 8 .
Beyond these option , many other woodland wild flower share the fragile seemliness and floral beauty of Convallaria majalis . Just be sure to take native mintage that wo n’t fan out aggressively . With aware alternatives , you may receive the perfect lily of the valley lookalike plants to adorn your garden or containers .
Growing Tips for Lily of the Valley Lookalikes
Many plants that resemble lily of the valley also divvy up a preference for the same growing condition . Here are some utile care tips :
Most do best in fond to full shade in moist , well - run out dirt . nullify red-hot sun .
piss regularly to maintain evenly moist soil . Most are prone to drought stress .
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer once or doubly per year in leap and fall . Avoid over - feeding .
dissever congested clumps every 2 - 3 years in former leaping or declivity .
trend back fade flower stems to tidy visual aspect .
Mulch annually with compost or shredded leaves to retain soil moisture and nutrition .
stakes grandiloquent species if needed to prevent flopping of weak stems .
With right charge focus on their cultural preferences , you’re able to turn lovely lily of the valley lookalikes successfully in your garden .
Where to Use Lily of the Valley Lookalike Plants
There are many means to incorporate Convallaria majalis lookalikes into your landscaping :
Grow en masse as a flowering groundcover in fishy beds or woodland configurations .
Use in containers or fall baskets for porch , patio or shady deck .
plant life below shrubs and trees to shape an attractive flowering carpet .
sharpness walkways , fences or foundation .
Naturalize in dampish wild areas of the landscape .
Combine in tint gardens with ferns , hostas , coral toll and other timberland fellow traveler .
Use in rock garden , public treasury gardens or hypertufa planter .
Border water feature , rain gardens or drainage swales .
With their multifariousness of forms , sizes and emergence habits , lily of the vale lookalikes proffer versatility to become many site .
12 Ideas for Using Lily of the Valley Alternatives
Here are some specific ways to comprise these Convallaria majalis lookalikes into your own gardens :
Plant wild gingerroot as a living mulch under shrubs and tree diagram .
Use foamflower as edging along garden route or walkways .
uprise simulated lily of the valley in drifts in a timber setting .
Add Canada mayflower to a rock garden for soft saltation blooms .
Feature Appalachian bells among ferns in a spook garden .
Include pearlweed in a trough or hypertufa planter exhibit .
Place potted fringe tillandsia on a covered terrace or deck of cards .
Border a rainfall garden with fresh waldmeister for perfume .
Combine starry imitation lily of the vale with hellebores and coral gong .
Use Solomon ’s seal behind Funka or astilbes as a blossoming backcloth .
Plant dwarf feather Solomon ’s seal of approval along a woodland path .
Group Canada wild ginger around Boulder or tree trunk .
Once lay down , these tough and adaptable lily of the valley lookalikes require minimal care while brighten shaded area with welcome color and charm .
6 Favorite Lily of the Valley Lookalike Plants
If you ’re search for a favorite Convallaria majalis aboriginal option for your own garden , here are six of the unspoiled :
False lily of the valley – Very close resemblance makes this a top pick . Spreads nicely .
Wild gingerroot – Subtly resembles foliage while acting as a living mulch .
Canada mayflower – A true native lily of the valley lookalike with sweet blooms .
Foamflower – Beautiful as a flowering groundcover or pathway adjoin .
sweet-flavored woodruff – Fragrant leaf and starry flowers . Great for edges and containers .
Solomon ’s sealskin – refined arching stanch and bell - comparable bloom . flock form .
For most garden options , one or more of these six versatilenatives can dead recreate the graceful good luck charm of dear lily of the vale .
3 Tips for Growing Lily of the Valley Lookalikes
To grow beautiful Convallaria majalis alternative , rivet on :
Site selection – Most postulate part to full shade with rich , damp constitutive soil .
Watering – Water 1 - 2 inches per week , allowing soil to dry out slightly between waterings .
Fertilization – Apply a balanced organic plant food once in former spring and again in downslope if necessitate .
Meeting these key growing demand will allow your lily of the valley lookalike plants to thrive and spread nicely .
How to Use Lily of the Valley Substitutes in the Landscape
Here are sometips for incorporate these enchanting lily of the valley alternatives artistically within your landscape :
apply as a ground cover layer in wooded or shady area where small else may grow . Allow them to tame and spread to form flush carpets .
embed around the edges of garden seam and pathways as an ornamental inflorescence borderline . Keep trim to foreclose unwanted spread .
Include in container designs on shaded patio or decks for elegant seasonal gloss . ruffle varieties for sum up involvement .
Feature in shelter garden bed and groundwork planting to disguise fading medulla oblongata foliage . coalesce with ferns or annuals .
rapier into pockets within rock garden or areas around boulder and Harlan Fiske Stone to soften and decorate .
Surround rainfall gardens , drain swales or dispirited pond edges subject to occasional standing water .
With thoughtful placement , the right lily of the valley lookalikes can infuse funny smirch with delicate beauty while deflect invasive development .
Companion Plants for Lily of the Valley Alternatives
Here are some ideal industrial plant companion for Convallaria majalis lookalikes :
select easy - concern perennial that enjoy the same rise condition when combining with lily of the vale option . They will make perfect partners to produce stunning forest displays .
Problems and Solutions for Growing Lily of the Valley Lookalikes
While comparatively hassle - free , here are some likely problem and solutions for lily of the valley substitute :
Problem : Plants decline , leaves yellowish , growth stunted
Solution : better drainage ; improve soil to raise pH
Problem : Few blossom
answer : Increase light exposure ; off any compete Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree roots
trouble : Leaves scorched , sunburned
Solution : Relocate to a shadier spot , increase lachrymation
Problem : Plants disseminate aggressively
Solution : get rid of via digging ; use strong-arm barriers to contain spread
compensate attention to any sign of the zodiac of stress and aline tending consequently to exert wellness . But in general , these are durable , fuss - free alternatives well deserving including in your garden .
With their graceful beauty and authentic performance , native lily of the vale lookalike plants offer guilt - free alternatives for shady plantings . Find your favorites and soon you ’ll delight elegant , flowering carpets loose of invasive worries .
Frequently Asked Questions About Lily of the Valley Alternatives
Here are solvent to some ordinarily enquire questions :
What ’s a good groundcover that look like lily of the vale ?
mistaken lily of the valley ( Maianthemum dilatatum ) is one of the very closest native alternatives in coming into court and maturation habit . Foamflower and Canada mayflower also make good groundcover stand-in .
Is there a perennial that looks like lily of the vale ?
Yes , there are several honest repeated choice include pretended lily of the valley , Solomon ’s seal , sweet woodruff , false miterwort , Canada mayflower and raving mad gingers . These all spread by rootstalk or stolons .
What is a good alternative to lily of the valley for subtlety ?
Some top shade - do it alternatives admit imitation lily of the valley , foamflower , sweet sweet woodruff , wild ginger , and Appalachian bells . All boom in shaded garden preferences .
What native plant looks like lily of the valley ?
Great aboriginal lookalikes let in false lily of the valley , Canada mayflower , feather Solomon ’s sealskin , and starry assumed lily of the valley , as well as foamflower and barbaric ginger .
Is lily of the vale invasive ?
The common lily of the valley ( Convallaria majalis ) is considered incursive in some arena of North America , circulate sharply by underground rhizome . Native alternatives are a safe selection .
What can I plant with lily of the vale lookalikes ?
Great companions let in ferns , hostas , astilbe , false hellebore , heucheras , uncivilized strawberries , violets , bleeding hearts , and other specter lovers that thrive in constitutional , moist territory .
By incorporating the suggestion and advice in this article , you ’ll be able to successfully spring up arresting lily of the valley alternative in your own garden . Soon you ’ll bask gorgeous , non - invasive flowering carpets brightening those shadowed area .
When do lilies of the valley bloom?
lily of the valley blossom from March to June . During this time , the plant and their ashen flower clusters exudate an intensely scented aroma . A bouquet of these flowers do a lovely female parent ’s Day natural endowment . But keep in mind that lilies of the valley are now protected and ca n’t be picked from the wild in some billet , like Austria .
Lily of the valley look-alikes
Although aromatic , these herbaceous perennial are toxic and , regrettably , well broken with edible look - alikes . The leaves of lily of the valley look a lot like the leaves of the vicious autumn crocus ( Colchicum autumnale ) and the comestible wild garlic ( Allium ursinum ) . It ’s also potential to get these flora mixed up because they all grow in the fly-by-night , herbaceous plant - fill underbrush of deciduous and interracial forests . One way to differentiate between the three is by pack a closer look at the leaves . The undersides of lily of the valley leaves are glistening , while those of wild garlic are not . Autumn crocus leaf are shiny on both sides and altogether narrower . Read our article on identifying wild garlic to learn more about how to recite the difference between wild ail that is safe to wipe out and garlic that is toxicant .
Solomon ’s seal with a aroma ( Polygonatum odoratum ) could be mistake for lily of the vale flowers when it comes to the flower . Solomon ’s stamp leaves , on the other paw , grow in pairs and along the whole shoot , while lily of the valley leave-taking grow in pairs but only at the stem ’s base .
