Lily of the valley is a beautiful spring plant of the Asparagus family with white flowers in the form of miniature bells, which can be more than a dozen on one inflorescence. Its characteristic fragrant aroma can be felt in the forests and gardens from May to June. The first mention of it is found in ancient Egypt, where these flowers were grown along with roses.
Places where lily of the valley grows
The plant is found in the temperate latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, growing in the vastness of Europe, Asia Minor, the Caucasus, China and North America. This shade-loving flower most often grows in forested areas (usually hiding under the shade of oaks, pines and aspen) on moist soils, but often forms extensive curtains on the edges of open glades. It grows in the mountains, where it is found at an altitude of up to 1.5 km.
Gardeners have long loved the May lily of the valley, making it one of the clear leaders in the landscape design of spring gardens. Breeders bred various varieties that differ in the largest flowers. In hybrid forms, flowers are often terry and even an unusual pink hue.
Various garden forms of fragrant flower existed and were widely used by Europeans in decorating gardens since the XVI century. In Russia, the first lilies of the valley appeared only at the end of the XVIII century, originally used exclusively in medicine. Now in some Russian regions, these flowers are among the Red Book, protected by law.
History of the name and main types
It is believed that the word "lily of the valley" came from the scientific name of the plant in Latin, which was awarded to it by the botanist Karl Linney. The translation of the name means "lily growing in the valley."
The people often call the flower "field lily", along with the definitions of "forest bell", "ears of a fallow deer" (for the characteristic shape of the leaves elongated upward), "hare ears". There is a version that the name is associated with a fragrant aroma widely used in perfumery, and comes from a combination of the words “frankincense”, “breathe”.
The main varieties are listed below, including wild lilies of the valley and garden varieties.
May
The most famous and most popular species, which is found almost throughout Europe, including most of Russia, and in the countries of Transcaucasia. The height of its stems reaches 30 cm. Up to 20 small flowers bloom on the inflorescence, similar to spherical bells with six small teeth on the edges of the petals. They can be painted white or pink.
Keiske or Far Eastern
It grows in the taiga open spaces of the Far East, Transbaikalia, in China and Japan. In addition to forests, it grows in meadows, in floodplains. Some botanists tend to consider the plant a variety of May lily of the valley, but most distinguishes it in a separate form. It differs from it:
- larger flowers;
- highly branched rhizome;
- late flowering;
- bottom leaves of brown or purple
The stem of Keiske is low (only 18 cm), the number of flowers on the inflorescence does not exceed ten.
Mountain
This species is a typical representative of the North American flora, found exclusively in the southeastern expanses of the United States. Its main difference from the May colleague is larger leaves and a low stem. On the inflorescence, 5-15 flowers are wide at the base of the flowers. Red-orange berries of the lily of the valley of this species appear in autumn, and not at the end of flowering.
Transcaucasian
The name of the species gives the most obvious idea of the habitat. His homeland is the territory of the Caucasus, but even there he is one of the rare species of lily of the valley. It has large flowers with extended bells.
Ophiopogon
Although often referred to as the Japanese lily of the valley, in fact, it does not belong to the number of its varieties, but is a representative of the lily family. It grows in China, Japan, the Himalayas. A plant looks like an ordinary lily of the valley remotely, but there is a certain similarity in the likeness of flowers and leaves. Also related to their love of growing in the shade.
The main garden varieties
Albostriata has atypical leaves with creamy white stripes, while Lineata has yellow stripes. Fading, these varieties continue to delight the eyes with decorative leaves. That is why they are most often used in landscape design.
Flora Plena is a variety with 12 double flowers on an inflorescence, the stem height of which reaches 25 cm.
Latifolia - the main difference is atypical pink flowers and broader leaves than other species.
Pink petals are characteristic of Rosea flowers, of which up to 14 are blooming on the inflorescence.
Yellow leaves grow in Aurea, a variety characterized by their most golden color.
Hardwick Hall is a modern variety with a yellow-green border around the edges of the leaves.
Viktor Ivanovich is an extravagant and highest grade of lily of the valley, the stems of which can reach 50 cm. Up to two dozen large snow-white flowers bloom on the inflorescence. After they bloom, red fruits appear, giving the flower an additional appeal.
Artistic description of lily of the valley in legends
Beautiful lilies of the valley are surrounded by many romantic legends; they are often mentioned in fairy tales. For example, Snow White running away from her stepmother (from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale) scattered a necklace that turned into beautiful snow-white spring flowers. Legends attribute to the plant the role of the dwelling place of gnomes and elves. Other beautiful legends say that lilies of the valley in the forest serve as a night haven for sunbeams.
The ancient Romans believed that beautiful bell-shaped flowers were formed from droplets of sweat of the forest goddess Diana, fleeing the fauns. According to an old Russian legend, lilies of the valley are the tears of the daughter of the water king, Volkhov, frozen in the greenery of spring herbs from an unrequited love for the harp-grouder Sadko.
Another legend presents them as pearls from the laughter of Mavka in love. The Orthodox consider lilies of the valley to be the tears of the Virgin, the flowers of purity.
Symbolism and interesting facts
This spring plant has the most romantic symbolism - it is associated with tender feelings, sincere love, fidelity and purity of soul. It is not surprising that at all times they admired creative natures, immortalizing in poetic lines and on canvases.
France even celebrates the day of this flower, which falls on May 1. In Finland, it is a national plant and is depicted on coins. It is believed that received as a gift on May 1, and then dried lilies of the valley can become a real amulet for happiness and good luck. In Holland, newlyweds immediately after the wedding should plant these flowers in the garden - in a sign of love that will never fade.
The lilies of the valley were admired by the composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky. Considering them to be the source of his inspiration, he even dropped them off in the park behind the house. It is curious that many portraits of Nikolai Copernicus depicted lilies of the valley in a hand. This is explained by the fact that the famous astronomer was also popular as a healer, and lilies of the valley were considered a symbol of healing.
Bouquets of lilies of the valley
The beauty of these spring flowers enchants, but it is worth considering the characteristics of the plant, wanting to put a bouquet of them in the house. Considering that all parts of the lily of the valley are poisonous (especially berries), and its strong aroma can provoke headaches and even cause poisoning, it is important:
- place these flowers in a well-ventilated area;
- never put them in the bedroom or in the house where there are small children or animals that can enjoy flowers or berries
In order for these beautiful spring plants in the bouquet to remain attractive for longer, it is recommended not to break off their leaves and add a drop of citric acid to the water where they will stand. Water needs to be changed every 1-2 days and never put a vase in the sun.
And about other beautiful bouquets, you can find out on our site most-beauty.ru by clicking on the link.
Compositions of lilies of the valley, symbolizing purity and sincerity of feelings, are often used in wedding decor and as a bride’s bouquet. The most feminine and delicate are monobouquets of these flowers.
Naturally, the beauty and femininity of the bride will be emphasized by bouquets of lilies of the valley combined with peonies. Depending on the color of the latter, you can get an option that emphasizes the tender (pink flowers) or, conversely, the passionate (red) feelings of the newlyweds.
Interesting compositions are obtained when combined with a flower queen - a white rose, diluted with decorative greenery. No less harmonious company with snow-white lilies of the valley can make red, pink and even yellow roses.
Tulips of any color look beautifully in the cut of snow-white forest beauties. The most beautiful compositions will turn out if you combine these wildflowers with exquisite aristocrats - freesia.
Summary
The fragile and delicate flower lily of the valley with miniature snow-white bells captivates at first sight. This symbol of tenderness and boundless love, even in the photo, seems like a forest wizard, giving a feeling of joy. To some, its aroma may seem very harsh, but a truly bewitching beauty is unlikely to leave indifferent.
Posted by: skywriter13