Product Description
Convallaria majalis 'Bordeaux' (50) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Lily of the Valley
An improved version of an old-fashioned favorite. 'Bordeaux' produces pure white, larger bell-shaped flowers on stems that are held above the foliage as opposed to between the leaves. Each stem bears an average of 8-12 bells compared to 6-8 bells on C. majalis. The tulip-like foliage is also reported to be darker green and more rounded.
The flowers of 'Bordeaux' appear in spring and last for several weeks. These blossoms are very fragrant; they are even used in making perfume! Tiny orange berries follow the flowers.
Despite the dainty appearance of the blossoms, Convallaria is actually a tough, vigorous groundcover. Use it to cover slopes and riverbanks or in shady woodland sites, even under trees.
Lily of the Valley grows best in woodland-like conditions: fertile, humus-rich, moist soil and partial to full shade. It will, however, grow in full sun in northern regions if the soil remains moist. Be careful when siting this plant--though it may take a while to get started, this plant will spread rapidly, forming a dense, weed-smothering groundcover.
Lily of the Valley greatly benefits from an annual application of organic compost each fall.
Height: 6.0-8.0 Inches
Spread: 8.0-15.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 2,3,4,5,6,7
Flower Color: White Shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Mid Spring - Late Spring
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Rapid
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Easy To Grow, Fragrant Flowers, Ground Cover
Convallaria majalis 'Bordeaux' is a delightful cultivar of the classic Lily of the Valley, offering some notable improvements on the original. Here is what makes it special:
Enhanced Features:
- Larger, more prominent flowers: 'Bordeaux' produces larger, pure white, bell-shaped flowers compared to the standard Lily of the Valley. These blooms are held on stems that rise above the foliage, making them even more visible and showy.
- Increased flower count: Each stem of 'Bordeaux' can bear 8-12 flowers, whereas the typical Lily of the Valley has 6-8. This means more fragrant blooms to enjoy!
- Darker, tulip-like foliage: The leaves of 'Bordeaux' are a deeper green and have a more rounded, tulip-like shape compared to the common Lily of the Valley. This adds another layer of visual interest.
- Same intoxicating fragrance: 'Bordeaux' retains the sweet and powerful fragrance that makes Lily of the Valley so beloved.
Growing Conditions:
- Shade lover: Like all Lily of the Valley varieties, 'Bordeaux' thrives in partial to full shade. It is perfect for woodland gardens, shady borders, or areas under trees.
- Moisture and rich soil: It prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Hardiness: This cultivar is hardy in USDA zones 3-8, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates.
Uses:
- Ground cover: 'Bordeaux' makes an excellent ground cover for shady areas, forming a dense carpet of foliage and flowers.
- Woodland gardens: It is a natural fit for woodland settings, where its delicate blooms and fragrance can be appreciated.
- Shady borders: It adds a touch of elegance to shady borders and beds.
- Cut flowers: The fragrant flowers are beautiful in small bouquets.
Benefits:
- Improved floral display: The larger, more numerous flowers make 'Bordeaux' a standout among Lily of the Valley varieties.
- Attractive foliage: The darker, tulip-like leaves add interest even when the plant is not in bloom.
- Intense fragrance: The sweet scent is a major draw for many gardeners.
- Deer resistant: Deer tend to avoid Lily of the Valley.
Things to keep in mind:
- Spreading habit: Lily of the Valley spreads by rhizomes and can form dense colonies over time. This can be desirable for ground cover, but you may need to control its spread in some situations.
- Toxicity: All parts of the Lily of the Valley plant are poisonous if ingested. Keep this in mind if you have children or pets.
Overall, Convallaria majalis 'Bordeaux' is a beautiful and fragrant perennial that offers an improved version of a classic favorite. Its larger flowers, darker foliage, and intense fragrance make it a wonderful addition to any shade garden.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
