Hello Gnome-it-Alls:) I bought about 20 convallaria majalis (common lily of the valley) pips and planted them today. I soaked the pips in lukewarm water then I planted them in well drained, rich soil. Some locations will get about 3-4 hours of afternoon sun per day. Others will get 4+ hours of morning sun, dappled with shade. I planted some in a 10 inch deep flower box sitting on top of my deck . Will this environment be okay to produce years of growth and blooms? If I plant Lily of the Valley now (end of April), will they bloom for summer? If not, will they at least grow and get enough energy for next year? Do they have be dormant over winter to actually grow? I also bought some Bleeding Hearts (pink) and Astilbe roots with eyes and want to plant them this year. When is the best time and conditions to plant? Any advice would be greatly appreciated:)
Plant all your plants as soon as possible. As for Lily of the Valley it may or may not develop blooms this spring. The plant is strong to the point of being invasive, for sure will bloom next spring. Be careful, because it has a tendency to take over. It doesn't like too much sun so you planted it in a right spot. It would be better if the afternoon sun was dappled with shade, too. It definitely needs a cold dormancy.
Thanks for the invasive warning on LOtVs. I need to move a couple I put in my special plant garden. I would not want to have to deal with overcrowding. Thanks
