Convallaria majalis Hardwick Hall - Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis Hardwick Hall is a selection of lily of the valley that stands out for its finely yellow-green-edged blueish foliage, highly fragrant spring flowers, and good drought resistance. All these qualities make it an excellent ground cover under trees and bushes for most regions, decorative even when not in flower.

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

It is a perennial, deciduous plant that reaches 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in) high and has a rhizome like fleshy claws, developing into a dense carpet and quickly colonizing the ground. Convallaria majalis 'Hardwick Hall' develops large sheathing leaves at the base, lanceolate to elongate oval, usually ending in a point. The leaf has numerous parallel veins and is slightly bluish-green with light yellow-green margins. Each leaf measures 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8in) long. The plant flowers from April to May with a cluster 20-30 cm (8-12in) high, adorned with 6 to 10 small, pendulous bell-shaped white flowers, arranged on the same side of the stem. These flowers have a characteristic fragrance, with floral and musky notes. After pollination by insects, small red-orange berries containing seeds are formed. All parts of lily of the valley are toxic. The 'Hardwick Hall' variety is well adapted to dry summers the same as 'Haldon Grange'.

Plant Convallaria majalis Hardwick Hall at the edge woodland, along a border, near a passage area, or even in a large pot to enjoy its fragrance. Its delicately variegated foliage brings life to slightly shaded areas for a long period, but it will disappear in summer in dry and hot regions. Pair it with small periwinkles, Liriopes, and European Wild Ginger, Macrorrhizum Geraniums, or Ophiopogons for example.