The flower known as Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a highly prized, fragrant, and symbolic bloom. Recognizable by its delicate, bell-shaped white flowers, it is associated with purity and the return of happiness. Historically favored by European royalty, this long-standing cultural value has established Lily of the Valley as a luxury item in both the floral and horticultural markets.
Pricing for Cut Stems and Floral Arrangements
The price of Lily of the Valley reflects its status as a specialty item in the luxury floral trade. It is typically sold by the stem or in small bunches, rarely appearing in large quantities. Florists often price it as one of the most expensive options due to the plant’s delicate nature and the specialized logistics required for transport.
Wholesale costs are substantial; a standard bunch of 25 stems frequently costs between $200 and $370, depending on the supplier and time of year. This translates to a high retail cost, where a single stem may be priced between $8 and $15 when incorporated into a custom arrangement or boutonniere. The use of this flower is often a significant factor in the final price of a wedding bouquet or high-end centerpiece.
While the flower’s natural season is brief (mid-to-late spring), commercial growers can “force” it to bloom year-round. Purchasing the bloom outside of its natural season incurs a significant cost premium. This premium is due to the energy and labor-intensive greenhouse methods required for forcing, reflecting the high input costs of producing a fragile flower on demand.
Cost of Bulbs and Potted Plants for Home Gardening
Home gardeners purchase Lily of the Valley as either bare-root rhizomes, called “pips,” or as established potted plants. The price for bare-root material varies based on quantity and size, with smaller packs having a higher cost per unit. A set of five to ten flowering-size pips typically ranges from $15 to $25, enough to start a small patch in a shaded area.
Purchasing in bulk for groundcover reduces the cost per pip, with lots of 100 or more selling for around $55 to $65. Specialized varieties, such as the pink-flowered Convallaria majalis ‘Rosea’ or the ‘Bordeaux Giant’ strain, command a higher price point. A pack of five specialized pips may cost over $25, reflecting the slower propagation and specialized breeding required.
Established potted plants, usually in pint or gallon sizes, provide a more immediate visual impact but are the most expensive option per unit, often priced from $10 to $20 per pot. This higher price reflects the nursery’s cost for soil, containers, and the time spent growing the plant. Established plants provide a more reliable start compared to planting dormant pips.
Biological and Commercial Factors Driving the Price
The high market price of Convallaria majalis is driven by several biological and commercial realities. The primary biological factor is the plant’s slow growth rate; a transplanted pip may take a full year or more to establish itself before producing flowers.
The delicate stems must be harvested and packed by hand to prevent damage to the tiny florets. This intensive, specialized labor requirement is a major cost driver for the cut flower industry.
A significant commercial factor is “forcing,” which allows growers to offer the bloom outside its brief natural spring window. This process involves manipulating temperature and humidity in a greenhouse, requiring considerable energy and specialized knowledge, which adds a substantial premium. The plant also contains toxic cardenolides, requiring specific care protocols during commercial handling that add complexity and cost.