If you’re wondering where to buy lilies of the valley, you’ve come to the right place. These delicate, bell-shaped flowers are a springtime favorite, but they can be surprisingly tricky to find. This guide will walk you through all the best options, from local shops to online sellers, so you can get these beautiful blooms.
Lilies of the valley (Convallaria majalis) are more than just pretty. They have a legendary fragrance and are often used in wedding bouquets. Because they are a seasonal and somewhat perishable plant, knowing where to look is key. Let’s find your perfect source.
Where To Buy Lilies Of The Valley
Your first stop should always be local. Florists and garden centers are ideal because you can see the plant’s quality. They also offer expert advice specific to your area.
Local Florists and Flower Shops
A skilled florist is your best bet for fresh-cut lily of the valley stems. They often source them during the brief spring season. It’s a good idea to call ahead, as these flowers are not always in stock.
- Call in Advance: Don’t just show up. Phone a few shops to ask if they carry or can order them for you.
- Request Special Orders: Many florists can place a special order with their wholesaler, even if it’s off-season. This may cost a bit more.
- Check for Events: Florists near wedding venues are more likely to stock them during peak wedding months.
Nurseries and Garden Centers
For live plants (called “pips”) to grow in your own garden, visit a quality nursery. You’ll typically find them in early spring. Look for healthy, green pips with firm roots.
- Best Time to Go: Visit in early spring, right as the gardening season begins.
- Ask About Varieties: Sometimes they carry different types, like the rosea (pink) variety or variegated leaves.
- Get Planting Tips: Nursery staff can tell you the best spot in your garden for them to thrive.
Farmers’ Markets and Local Growers
In spring, local flower farmers sometimes sell lilies of the valley. This is a fantastic way to get extremely fresh, locally-grown stems or plants. The quality is usually superb.
Online Retailers: A World of Choice
If local options fail, the internet opens up many possibilities. You can buy everything from fresh-cut flowers to bare-root pips. Just be sure to order from reputable sites.
Online Flower Delivery Services
Major companies like 1-800-Flowers, FTD, or Teleflora sometimes offer lily of the valley bouquets seasonally. They are often part of mixed spring arrangements.
- Check Seasonal Collections: Look under “Spring Flowers” or “May Birth Flowers.”
- Read the Fine Print: Ensure the bouquet actually contains lilies of the valley and isn’t just inspired by them.
- Consider Delivery Dates: These flowers are fragile, so you want to be home when they arrive.
Online Nurseries and Plant Stores
For live plants, online nurseries are incredibly reliable. They ship pips at the correct planting time for your climate zone.
- Top-Rated Sellers: Look at websites like White Flower Farm, Breck’s, or Eden Brothers.
- Read Reviews: Customer photos and reviews will give you a real sense of what to expect.
- Understand Shipping: They often ship in fall or early spring. The pips may look dry, but that’s normal.
Etsy and eBay
These platforms connect you with individual growers and crafters. You can find unique items, like vintage lily of the valley jewelry or hand-forced potted plants.
- Verify Seller Ratings: Only buy from sellers with a long history of positive feedback.
- Ask Questions: Message the seller about the plant’s origin or the flower’s freshness.
- Be Cautious with Bulbs: Ensure you’re not purchasing from an international seller with strict phytosanitary laws.
Important Buying Considerations
Before you make a purchase, keep a few crucial points in mind. This will save you disappointment and ensure you get a healthy product.
Seasonality is Everything
Lilies of the valley have a very short natural season in late spring. Forced blooms (grown in greenhouses) might be available for early spring events like weddings. Fresh-cut stems are most common in April and May.
Fresh-Cut vs. Potted vs. Bare-Root Pips
- Fresh-Cut Stems: Last about 5-7 days in a vase. Perfect for immediate enjoyment or events.
- Potted Plants: Great for a gift that can later be planted outdoors. They are often forced for bloom.
- Bare-Root Pips: These are the dormant roots. You plant them yourself and they will bloom the following spring. This is the most economical long-term option.
Cost and Budgeting
These flowers can be pricey due to their short season and delicate nature. Fresh bouquets are often more expensive than buying pips. A small bunch of cut stems might cost $15-$30, while a pack of 10 pips may be around $20.
How to Ensure You Get Quality Blooms
Follow these simple steps to make sure your purchase is a success, whether online or in person.
- Research the Seller: Look for established businesses with good customer service policies.
- Check Guarantees: Reputable online plant sellers offer guarantees on their pips arriving alive.
- Inspect Upon Arrival: If buying in person, look for perky green leaves and firm stems. Avoid anything wilted or yellowing.
- Plant or Place in Water Quickly: Have your garden spot ready or a clean vase prepared.
FAQs About Buying Lilies of the Valley
Can I buy lilies of the valley year-round?
Fresh-cut stems are mostly seasonal (spring). However, some online florists may offer them at other times using imported or forced flowers, but selection will be limited and prices higher. Pips are shipped in fall or early spring.
Are lilies of the valley expensive?
They can be, especially as a cut flower. Their delicate nature and short harvest window contributes to the cost. Buying bare-root pips is the most cost-effective way to enjoy them year after year.
Is it better to buy them online or locally?
For cut flowers, local is often better to ensure freshness. For plants, online nurseries offer a wider variety and ship at the perfect planting time. Local nurseries let you inspect the plant first.
Can I have them delivered as a gift?
Absolutely. Many florists and online services offer lily of the valley bouquets for delivery. Just confirm the delivery date aligns with when the florist can source them. It’s a lovely May birthday gift.
What should I ask a florist when ordering?
Always ask if they are in season, if it’s a special order, and the expected arrival date for the blooms. Also, inquire about their freshness guarantee upon delivery.
A Final Tip for Your Search
Patience is your friend. Because they are a specialty item, you might need to contact a few places. Start your search a few weeks before you need them, especially for an event. When you do find a good source, whether a local florist or an online nursery, make a note of it. They will become your go-to for these special spring treasures. With this guide, you now have a clear path on where to buy lilies of the valley and what to look for. Enjoy the hunt, and the beautiful scent of success when you find them.