Picking wild Lily of the Valley is actually a big no-no and often protected by conservation laws. But what about the ones growing in your own backyard? Do you really need to prune them to keep them happy?
A Low-Maintenance Favorite
The great news is that Lily of the Valley is incredibly low-maintenance. Since these plants are hardy and well-adapted to our climate, they’re experts at taking care of themselves. You don’t need to worry about a mandatory pruning schedule in the fall or spring—they’ll do just fine if left to their own devices.
Keeping Self-Seeding in Check
That being said, there is one reason you might want to grab your garden shears during the blooming season. If you don’t want these little white bells taking over your entire garden, you’ll want to stay on top of deadheading. By snipping off the flowers as soon as they start to fade, you prevent the plant from spreading uncontrollably. If you leave them be, those old blossoms turn into bright red berries by August, which are packed with seeds ready to start new colonies.
Fresh Cut Flowers from the Garden
While you can’t pick them in the wild, you are perfectly free to harvest the ones in your garden for a beautiful, fragrant bouquet! To keep your cut flowers looking fresh, keep these tips in mind:
- Use lukewarm water rather than ice-cold water.
- Change the vase water every single day.
- Find a cool spot for the vase, away from direct heat or sun.
- Remove any wilted flowers immediately.
Safety First: They’re Toxic!
Whether you’re deadheading to stop them from spreading or cutting a bunch for your kitchen table, there is one golden rule: wear gloves. Lily of the Valley is highly toxic, and that includes the sap that leaks out when you cut the stems. It’s not just dangerous if swallowed; the sap can cause some pretty nasty skin irritation. So, make sure your hands are protected before you start clipping!
