The term “little lily flower” informally describes small, delicate blooms that resemble true lilies, though they are not botanically related. These charming plants bring grace and beauty to gardens with their bell-shaped or trumpet-like flowers and compact growth. They offer unique appeal, often thriving in various garden conditions and providing delightful bursts of color and fragrance. Their smaller stature allows them to fit into diverse landscape designs, from rock gardens to shaded borders.
Common Flowers Referred to as Little Lilies
Among the plants commonly called “little lilies” are Rain Lilies (species of Zephyranthes and Habranthus) and Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis). Rain Lilies, members of the Amaryllis family, are bulbous perennials known for their crocus-like or star-shaped flowers that often appear suddenly after rainfall. These blooms range from white to pink or yellow, emerging on slender stems above grass-like foliage. Native to North and South America, Rain Lilies bloom from summer through fall, with some species flowering in spring. Their flowers are 1 to 2 inches across, with six tepals and prominent stamens.
In contrast, Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a woodland plant from the Asparagaceae family, native to Europe and Asia. It is recognized by arching stems holding a single raceme of 6 to 16 fragrant, bell-shaped, white flowers, though pink varieties exist. These delicate blossoms are about 0.2 to 0.4 inches in diameter and appear in late spring, May to June. Lily of the Valley forms extensive colonies through underground rhizomes and features two (rarely three) broad, deep green, elliptic leaves per stem, 5 to 10 inches long.
Growing and Caring for These Plants
Both Rain Lilies and Lily of the Valley thrive in well-draining soil. Rain Lilies prefer full sun to partial shade; some species perform best in partial shade in hotter climates. They benefit from regular watering during active growth and bloom periods, though flowering can be triggered by periods of dryness followed by rain. Bulbs should be planted with tips at or just below the soil surface, spaced about 6 inches apart, or closer in containers where they perform well when slightly crowded.
Lily of the Valley prefers partial to full shade, thriving in moist, organically rich, well-drained soil. While it tolerates a range of soil conditions, consistent moisture is beneficial, especially in warmer regions. Fertilization is not necessary unless the soil is poor; in such cases, a slow-release granular fertilizer can be applied in spring. This plant spreads readily via rhizomes, forming dense groundcover, and requires minimal pruning or deadheading.
Important Considerations for Little Lilies
Lily of the Valley is toxic. All parts of the plant, including leaves, flowers, stems, and especially the red berries, are poisonous if ingested by humans or pets. The plant contains cardiac glycosides, which can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and irregular heartbeats, potentially leading to serious illness or death. Exercise caution, particularly around children and pets, and avoid planting it in accessible areas.
Lily of the Valley also has an aggressive spreading habit due to its vigorous rhizomes, forming dense colonies that can outcompete native species in some natural areas. While not universally classified as invasive, its rapid spread means it should be planted with care, perhaps in contained areas, to prevent it from overwhelming other garden plants. Rain Lilies, in contrast, are well-behaved and naturalize beautifully in suitable conditions, making them excellent choices for rock gardens, borders, or mass plantings where their sudden blooms can be appreciated. They are suitable for zones 7-10 and can be dug up and stored indoors in colder climates.