Lily of the valley
Convallaria majalis
Also called Convallaria and May bells
Garden plant · BulbsEVERY PART OF IT IS SERIOUSLY POISONOUS, including the water in a vase it has stood in. It also runs underground and is very hard to get out again — plant it somewhere both facts are fine.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 4 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full or partial shade
- Feed
- Every 21 days
- Humidity
- Average to high
- Hardiness
- Very hardy RHS H7, to -25°C
- Size
- 0.25 m tall · 0.4 m across
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- Europe to the Caucasus
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
Affects dogs, cats, horses.
PeopleHarmful if eaten
Every part, and the water it has stood in.
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS says to wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling it.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-03.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.