Transplanting Lily of the Valley: A Comprehensive Guide
Lily of the valley, a beloved plant known for its delicate blossoms and captivating fragrance, also possesses remarkable resilience and hardiness. Its ability to spread rapidly makes it both a joy and a challenge for gardeners. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to successfully transplant lily of the valley, including the best time to do it, how to divide the plant, and how to care for it after transplanting.
Why Transplant Lily of the Valley?
Lily of the valley is a fast-spreading plant that can quickly take over a garden bed. Transplanting it is essential for controlling its growth and maintaining healthy plantings. Additionally, transplanting can help rejuvenate older plants and promote new growth.
When to Transplant Lily of the Valley
The ideal time to transplant lily of the valley is in the fall when the plant is dormant. This gives the plant time to establish new roots before the growing season begins. However, lily of the valley is a forgiving plant and can be transplanted at other times of the year with proper care.
How to Transplant Lily of the Valley
Materials you’ll need:
- Shovel
- Compost or manure
- Watering can or hose
Step 1: Digging Up the Plant
- Using a shovel, carefully dig up the entire clump of lily of the valley.
- Avoid damaging the roots as much as possible.
Step 2: Dividing the Rhizomes
- Lily of the valley grows from rhizomes, which are underground stems.
- Gently separate the rhizomes into individual pips, or small sections.
- Discard any damaged or diseased pips.
Step 3: Planting the Pips
- Dig holes about 4 inches deep and 10 inches apart.
- Place a pip in each hole and fill the hole with a mixture of soil and compost or manure.
- Firm the soil around the pips and water them well.
Step 4: Aftercare
- Keep the soil moist but not saturated.
- Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilize the plants lightly in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Where to Plant Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley prefers moist, shaded areas. It can be planted under trees or shrubs or in a shady spot in the garden. Lily of the valley can also be grown in containers, which can help control its spread.
Controlling Lily of the Valley Spread
If you don’t want lily of the valley to spread too much, there are a few things you can do:
- Plant it in a contained area, such as a raised bed or a container.
- Dig a trench around the planting area and insert a barrier, such as plastic sheeting, to prevent the roots from spreading.
- Remove any unwanted shoots or sprouts that appear outside the desired planting area.
Benefits of Transplanting Lily of the Valley
- Controls the plant’s spread
- Rejuvenates older plants
- Promotes new growth
- Improves the overall health of the plant
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Transplanting lily of the valley in full sun.
- Planting the pips too deeply or too far apart.
- Overwatering or underwatering the plants.
- Failing to control the plant’s spread.
Troubleshooting Lily of the Valley Transplanting Issues
- If the leaves turn yellow or brown, the plant may be getting too much sun or not enough water.
- If the pips rot, the soil may be too wet.
- If the plant fails to thrive, it may have been damaged during transplanting or may be suffering from a disease or pest problem.
By following these tips, you can successfully transplant lily of the valley and enjoy its beauty and fragrance for years to come.
