
Lily of the Valley can be a beautiful addition to your garden, but it can quickly take over if left unchecked. This pretty plant spreads fast through underground runners, making it tricky to manage.
To keep Lily of the Valley under control, you can install a physical barrier around the plants, dig up unwanted clumps, or use targeted herbicides. These methods will help you enjoy this lovely flower without letting it run wild in your yard.
Let’s look at some easy ways to tame your Lily of the Valley. With a bit of effort, you can have a tidy garden that still includes this sweet-smelling plant.
Understanding Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley is a sweet-smelling flower that can grow fast and take over your garden. It has some key features and ways it grows that you should know about.
Defining Characteristics
Lily of the Valley has small, white, bell-shaped flowers that hang in a row. They smell very nice and bloom in spring. The plant has big, green leaves that are oval and pointed.
Each flower stem can have 5 to 15 blooms. The plant grows from roots called rhizomes that spread underground.
Lily of the Valley is toxic if eaten. Keep pets and kids away from it. Even touching the plant can make some people’s skin itchy.
Growth Habits
This plant likes shady spots and damp soil. It can grow well under trees or in areas that don’t get much sun.
Lily of the Valley spreads quickly through its underground roots. It can take over large areas if not kept in check. Each year, the plant can spread several inches in all directions.
In some places, it’s seen as an invasive plant. It can push out other plants in your garden. You may need to take steps to stop it from spreading too much.

Preventative Measures
Keeping Lily of the Valley under control starts with smart planning. You can avoid future headaches by taking steps early on to contain this pretty but persistent plant.
Choosing the Right Location
Pick a spot for your Lily of the Valley carefully. Look for an area where you don’t mind it spreading a bit. A corner of your yard or a space between buildings can work well.
Avoid planting near other flowers or vegetable gardens. Lily of the Valley can easily take over these areas.
Consider using containers. Large pots or raised beds can help keep the plant in check. Make sure the containers have good drainage.
Controlling Rhizome Spread
Install a physical barrier around your Lily of the Valley patch. Sink stiff plastic or metal edging at least 12 inches deep into the soil. This stops the plant’s underground stems from creeping outward.
Remove any shoots that pop up outside the barrier right away. Don’t let them get established.
Consider planting in an area surrounded by concrete, like next to a walkway or driveway. This natural barrier can help limit spread.
Water and fertilize only within the designated area. This encourages the plants to stay put rather than seeking resources elsewhere.
Maintenance and Control Strategies
Keeping Lily of the Valley in check takes ongoing effort. You’ll need to watch your garden closely and use hands-on methods to stop it from spreading too much.
Regular Monitoring
You should check your Lily of the Valley beds often. Look for new shoots popping up outside the area where you want the plants. Spring and early summer are key times to watch closely. The plants grow fast, so catching them early is important.
Walk around the edges of your Lily of the Valley patch weekly. Pull up any plants that have snuck into places you don’t want them. This helps stop them from taking over other parts of your garden.
Take note of how quickly the patch is growing. If you see it spreading faster than you’d like, you may need to use stronger control methods.

Manual Removal Techniques
Digging up entire plant clumps is a good way to control Lily of the Valley. Wait until the soil is moist, as this makes removal easier. Use a shovel to dig deep and get all the roots.
Be thorough when you dig. Even small pieces of root left behind can grow into new plants. Shake off excess soil and dispose of the plants carefully.
For smaller areas, you can hand-pull the plants. Grasp them firmly at the base and pull straight up. Try to get all the roots out.
You might need to repeat this process several times a year. New plants can pop up from missed roots or seeds.
Use of Barriers
Physical barriers can help keep Lily of the Valley under control. Bury barriers at least 12 inches deep in the soil around the patch.
Use materials like:
- Metal edging
- Plastic lawn edging
- Concrete blocks
Make sure the barrier sticks up above ground level by 2-3 inches. This stops the plants from creeping over the top.
Check your barriers regularly for damage. Roots can sometimes push through weak spots or grow over the top. Fix any gaps or raised areas promptly to maintain the barrier’s effectiveness.
Long-Term Management
Keeping Lily of the Valley in check requires ongoing effort. You’ll need to stay vigilant and take regular action to prevent it from spreading beyond its intended area.
Seasonal Care Tips
In spring, remove any new shoots that appear outside the designated growing area. Use garden shears to cut them at ground level.
During summer, check for runners spreading beyond borders. Dig these up carefully, making sure to get all the roots.
In fall, apply a thick layer of mulch around the edges of your Lily of the Valley patch. This can help contain its spread.
Winter is a good time to plan for next year. Consider installing physical barriers like deep edging or root barriers in problem areas.
Professional Assistance
If your Lily of the Valley problem feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to call in the experts. Professional gardeners can offer specialized advice tailored to your specific situation.
Landscapers may have access to stronger herbicides that aren’t available to home gardeners. They can apply these safely and effectively.
Some pros use steam weeding techniques. This method kills plants with hot water vapor, avoiding chemical use.
Remember, even with professional help, you’ll need to stay on top of maintenance. Ask your gardener for tips on ongoing care to keep your Lily of the Valley under control.