Lily-of-the-Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a classic garden plant prized for its intensely fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers that appear in spring. The “pip” is the horticultural term for the dormant rhizome, or underground stem structure, used for propagation. These bare-root structures contain the stored energy necessary for the new season’s growth.
Identifying Lily-of-the-Valley Pips
Lily-of-the-Valley pips are short, cylindrical sections of the rhizome, typically measuring one-half to one inch in length. They possess a tapered shape and are usually a pale beige or ivory color, similar to other bare-root stock.
The pip has a visibly pointed tip at one end, which is the dormant bud that will grow upward into the leaves and flower stalk. The base is often surrounded by a network of fine, fibrous root structures that may appear dried or slightly fleshy. The entire structure is firm and hard.
The Distinction Between Flower and Leaf Pips
Growers separate pips into two categories based on their potential, which helps gardeners aiming for immediate blooms. A leaf pip is a younger or smaller rhizome section capable of producing only foliage in its first year. These pips are generally thinner and less robust compared to flowering pips.
The flower pip is a more mature structure developed to produce a flower stalk. These pips are visibly larger, plumper, and more rounded than the leaf versions. Selecting these larger pips is the most reliable way to ensure the plant produces fragrant blooms in the first spring after planting.
Handling and Planting Pips
Pips should be planted in the fall or early spring, ensuring the pointed bud tip is facing upward toward the soil surface. The rhizome section only needs to be lightly covered with soil, usually about one-half inch deep. For establishing a full groundcover, pips should be placed four to six inches apart to allow for lateral spread.
It is beneficial to soak the pips in cool water for three to six hours before planting to rehydrate the bare-root material. This process helps them establish more quickly once placed in the garden soil.
Toxicity Warning
Handle all parts of Convallaria majalis, including the pips, with care and wash hands thoroughly after planting. The plant contains toxic cardiac glycosides, making all parts, including the rhizomes, poisonous if ingested by humans or pets.