Lily of the valley ( Convallaria ) , sometimes known as May lily or by the French name " muguet des bois , " has been a best-loved spring plant for centuries . It is easily identifiable by its spacious green leaves , orange twilight fruits and nodding clean flush . Those flowers are renowned for their fragrance , which has been used in fragrance and other products . The French lionize muguet des bois with festivals every twelvemonth in May . The blossoms were also favour by great dish including Jacqueline Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn . Lilies of the vale have symbolic meanings , both in the Victorian " language of flush " and in Christian legend .

The History of Flower Symbolism

efflorescence symbolization has a longsighted history , going back to ancient China . It was also pop in the Ottoman Empire and may have spread from there into Europe , peculiarly Great Britain . Queen Victoria was a keen devotee of peak symbolism and her enthusiasm lend to its popularity throughout the 19th C . When straightlaced propriety dictated that tactile sensation remain unspoken , a bouquet of carefully take flowers might safely express schmaltzy messages .

Meanings

Lily of the vale has had many meanings over the centuries . Its small height and shade - loving disposition have made it a natural symbol of humbleness . The fresh - smelling clean flowers have been associated with the traditional feminine virtues of chastity , whiteness and sweetness . In the Victorian spoken communication of flowers , lily of the valley meant " return of felicity . " Christians have handed down the caption of Eve ’s bout , which support that when the biblical Eve wept after her riddance from the Garden of Eden , the tears grow into lilies of the valley . The plants are sometimes also associated with the pureness and chastity of the Virgin Mary .

Varieties

expert differ on whether there is actually only one lily of the valley mintage , Convallaria majalis , or several that are nearly related . Available sort let in works with variegated leave of absence , larger white flush or pale pinkish prime .

Culture

Lily of the valley is a timberland works that likes moist soil in dappled tad . To part a patch of the fragrant flowers , purchase commercially grown pip or take a variance from an established clump . Plant as soon as the grease can be worked in the spring . The first twelvemonth , the industrial plant may do fiddling , but by the 2d year , they will produce efflorescence . The tough undercover roots spread out quickly and the plants can become invasive in some position .

Warning

Despite its winsome appearance and delightful bouquet , all voice of the lily of the vale plant are poisonous . child should be supervised if they play in areas where the plant life is grown .

References

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