What is Lily of the Valley
Among numerous garden ornamental plants, Lily of the Valley stands out with its unique bell-shaped flowers and rich fragrance. This plant, which resembles strings of white jade bells, not only has ornamental value but is also an important species in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. This article will give you a comprehensive understanding of the plant characteristics of Lily of the Valley and explain two efficient propagation methods.
Analysis of Lily of the Valley Plant Characteristics
Morphological Features and Alias System
Perennial herb Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) grows 15-30 cm tall, with elliptical leaves in parallel veins, and the base alternates to form an elegant rosette shape. Its most distinctive feature is the 6-12 pendant bell-shaped white flowers on the raceme, with lanceolate bracts that effectively protect the bud development. Due to regional differences, it has more than 20 aliases such as "Valley Lily" and "Shadow of the Prince".
Medicinal Value and Safety Precautions
The whole plant contains 38 cardenolides, with the highest concentration in the roots. Although it has diuretic and cardiotonic effects, consuming 3-5 grams of fresh product may cause中毒 reactions. When cultivating, keep it away from children and pets, and it is recommended to wear gardening gloves when pruning.
Detailed Explanation of Lily of the Valley Propagation Techniques
Division Propagation Operation Guide
The best time for division is September-October in autumn, choosing mother plants over 3 years old: 1. Stop watering 3 days before, remove the pot, and gently shake off the old soil from the roots. 2. Divide the bulbs with 2-3 buds using a disinfected blade. 3. Use a matrix of humus soil: perlite in a 7:3 ratio. 4. Planting depth should keep the buds 1 cm away from the soil surface. 5.散射光养护，20℃ environment for 15 days to root.
Key Points of Seed Propagation Implementation
Harvest the berries in August and proceed immediately: • Seeds need to be stratified at 4℃ for 90 days to break dormancy. • Use a matrix of peat: vermiculite in a 1:1 ratio for sowing. • Cover the soil with twice the diameter of the seeds. • Maintain 60% humidity and avoid direct sunlight. • The seedlings need to be cultivated for 3 years to bloom.
Whether it is division or seed propagation, the key to success lies in the aeration of the matrix and humidity control. It is recommended for beginners to prioritize division, with a success rate of over 85%. After successful propagation, pay attention to shading in summer and protecting the rhizomes from freezing in winter, and you can enjoy the symbol of "happiness returning" year after year.