Can Lilies of the Valley Grow in Florida?

Culture

• In northern Florida the most critical requirement for lily-of-the-valley is moist, loamy soil. Amend beds with compost or other organic material before planting. Water until the plants are established; thereafter they can survive some drought. Lilies-of-the-valley usually bloom reliably each spring and spread vigorously. If flowering becomes sparse, divide plants by digging up entire clumps and splitting with a garden knife or fork. Replant clumps and mulch with 2 inches or more of shredded bark or other material. Note that plant parts, especially seeds, may cause stomach irritation if eaten.

Pushing the Zone

• Sometimes gardeners who live just outside of recommended hardiness zones for specific plants can "push the zone" and grow those plants in their gardens by taking advantage of specific conditions. Gardeners who want to grow lilies-of-the-valley in the northern part of Florida's USDA zone 9a might be able to "push the zone." To do this, site the lilies in low spots that face north or east. Avoid any site that receives full sun, focus on locations with partial shade and make sure the planting sites receive regular moisture.

Florida Uses

• Groundcovers for shady spots are a challenge and lily-of-the-valley makes an excellent groundcover in its Florida hardiness zone. Its spreading nature helps with erosion control on slopes. Because the flowers are pollinated by bees, lily-of-the-valley also makes a good addition to fragrance, wildlife or pollinator-friendly landscapes. Interplanted with spring-flowering bulbs appropriate to USDA zone 8, lily-of-the-valley leaves can also hide the unattractive, dying foliage of other spring bloomers like daffodils and hyacinths.

Substitutes

• In parts of Florida where lily-of-the-valley is not hardy, gardeners can choose its relative, lilyturf (Liriope muscari), as a groundcover alternative. Lilyturf is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 10, making it hardy throughout the Florida mainland. It bears spikes of purple flowers in late summer. In USDA zones 9a and 9b (central Florida), interplanting the lilyturf with sweet scented daffodils like "Grand Primo Citronere" (Narcissus "Grand Primo Citronere"), hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, will provide a sweet scent similar to what lily-of-the-valley would supply in cooler zones.