The Essential Guide To The Lily of the Valley
Botanical Name: Convallaria majalis
Common name: Lily of the Valley
General Knowledge: The Lily of the Valley, with its delicate bell-shaped flowers and sweet perfume, is native to the cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, in Asia and Europe. In Australia, it's often used in perfumery for its strong and enchanting fragrance, and it's also a popular choice for bridal bouquets, symbolising purity and humility. A fun fact about the lily of the valley is that it's the birth flower for the month of May, and despite its dainty appearance, it contains potent cardiac glycosides and is highly toxic if ingested.
Colour range: Lily of the Valley primarily comes in white, though some varieties exhibit the palest shade of pink.
Australian seasonal availability: This flower is seasonally available in spring for a brief period, from late September to mid-October. Its short availability makes it a unique choice during this window.
Australian wedding and event season availability: Due to its fleeting availability in spring, Lily of the Valley is a treasured choice for weddings and events during this time, especially given its traditional significance and elegant appearance.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Lily of the Valley bulbs and pips are available for sale online from certain nurseries in Australia.
Buying tips: It's crucial to ensure optimal maturity when purchasing. Buy them when the first bell starts transitioning from its deep green colour to white. If the terminal flower retains a deep green hue, this indicates that they have been harvested prematurely and might not bloom fully.
Design tips and advice: Classified as a transitional flower in floristry, Lily of the Valley adds charm to a range of floral designs. With its light, pleasant fragrance and the classic significance it holds, this flower is a top choice for wedding bouquets and accessories.
Flower maturity: Choose flowers wherein the first bell is transitioning from green to white, ensuring you get the most out of their blooming phase.
Expected vase life: The vase life of the Lily of the Valley ranges between 4 to 6 days, depending on care and environment.
Typical stem length: These flowers have a modest stem length of 20 to 25 cm.
Typical bunch size: A standard bunch usually consists of 10 stems.
Floral Preservatives: A top dressing of well-broken down animal manure in winter can assist growth and produce larger blooms.
Ethylene sensitivity: While its exact sensitivity to ethylene remains unknown, it is possibly ethylene sensitive. To ensure longevity, choose flowers that have undergone anti-ethylene treatment.
Temperature requirements: Best kept at cool storage temperatures between 2–4 °C. They are especially sensitive to heat and require good air circulation to prevent wilting.
How to avoid potential problems: Given their short vase life, they should not be stored in cold storage for more than a day or two. Always ensure that the flowers remain hydrated throughout their time in the supply chain. Using the recommended amount of flower food in clean water further aids in maximizing their life. The importance of keeping these flowers away from heat and ensuring proper air circulation cannot be stressed enough.
Cooling and cool rooms: A cool storage environment, ideally between 2–4 °C, helps maintain their freshness.
Hydration and vase solutions: Consistent hydration is vital. Use the advised dose of flower food in clean water to keep the blooms vibrant.
Care of potentially ethylene sensitive products: Although its sensitivity remains undetermined, it's best to approach the Lily of the Valley as if it's ethylene sensitive. Ensuring it is not exposed to ethylene sources can help in prolonging its life.