Convallaria majalis Albostriata - Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis Albostriata is a vigorous selection of lily of the valley, whose leaves are beautifully striped with white-cream. It has clusters of small white bell flowers which are as deliciously scented as those of its wild woodland parent. It is a very hardy ground cover perennial, easy to grow in almost all regions, in moist soil.

Convallaria majalis Albostriata belongs to the Convallariaceae or Liliaceae family, depending on the classification. Its wild ancestor, charmingly nicknamed Lily of the Valley or May Lily, is widespread in all clear forests of cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere (Europe, Asia, North America). Very hardy and easy to grow, lily of the valley grows everywhere, in sun or shade, but prefers light soil and moisture to flower and spread abundantly.

It is a deciduous, perennial plant that reaches 12 to 15 cm (5 to 6in) high and has a rhizome in the shape of fleshy claws, which develops into a dense carpet, colonizing the soil fairly quickly. 'Albostriata' lily of the valley develops broad sheathing leaves at the base which are lanceolate to elongated oval, usually ending in a point. The leaf has numerous parallel, white-cream veins on a dark green background and is 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8in) long. The plant flowers from April to May with a 20-25 cm (8-10in) tall cluster, adorned with 6 to 10 small white bell-shaped flowers, arranged on the same side of the stalk. The flowers have a characteristic fragrance, with floral and musky notes. After pollination by insects, small orange-red berries containing seeds are formed. All parts of the lily of the valley are toxic. The Albostriata variety seems to be slightly more sensitive to lack of water than the wild type.

Plant Convallaria Albostriata on the edge of woodland, in borders or near a passageway to enjoy its fragrance. Its white-striped foliage animates shaded areas for a long period, from spring to autumn. Plant it with small periwinkles, perennial Bleeding Hearts, or Ophiopogons.