Growing Lily of the Valley Tree: A Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer

To grow a Lily of the Valley Tree successfully, plant it in a cool, moist, sheltered spot with acidic soil and protection from hot winds. Follow the steps below for planting, watering, and ongoing care.

Step-by-Step Growing Guide

1. Choose the Right Spot: Select a location in your garden that is cool, moist, and sheltered from hot winds and harsh afternoon sun. The Lily of the Valley Tree prefers acidic soil, so test your pH and amend if needed. A common mistake is planting in full sun or exposed areas—this will scorch the leaves and reduce flowering.
2. Prepare the Soil: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and enrich the soil with plenty of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. Ensure good drainage—this tree does not like wet feet. If your soil is heavy clay, consider planting on a slight mound or adding grit to improve drainage.
3. Plant at the Correct Depth: Place the tree in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently, firming the soil as you go, and water thoroughly. Planting too deep can cause the stem to rot—keep the root collar exposed.
4. Water Regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells and the first growing season. Mulch around the base with bark or leaf mould to retain moisture and keep roots cool. Avoid waterlogging: the soil should be damp, not soggy. Check by feeling a few inches down.
5. Provide Winter Protection: In cooler climates, protect the tree from frost by mulching heavily around the base and, if potted, moving the container to a sheltered spot or under cover. Newly planted trees are most vulnerable—consider a frost cloth for the first winter.

Product Spotlight

• Lily of the Valley Tree: A rare and beautiful evergreen, Lily of the Valley Tree brings year-round interest with its glossy green leaves and upright spires of sweetly scented white flowers in spring and early summer. This means you get both structure and fragrance from a single plant, ideal for a shady corner that needs a lift.