The lily of the valley – symbol of perfection

The tender lily of the valley is known in this country as a typical, delicately scented herald of spring. It enchants us all with its snow-white, bell-shaped small flowers that give off a gentle scent. Its dark green, juicy and beautifully shaped leaves attract the eye. This wonderful spring flower can decorate your interior with its white blossoms and serve as a special highlight outside in the garden. The lily of the valley is therefore popular with many hobby gardeners and in demand in flower shops from the beginning of May. The flowering time of this natural beauty is from May to June. Surprisingly, it belongs to the asparagus family and only produces small red berries in July and August.

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Name and history: The name lily of the valley, which is widely used today, comes from Latin Convallaria majalis. The first part of the Latin name convallaria means basin, which indicates the location of the flower, whereby majalis indicates the flowering time in May. The lily of the valley is still called May flower and Mary flower, but is also known as May flower, mash bell and May lily. The latter is closely related to the English name “Lily of the valley”. Since the lily of the valley can often be found throughout Europe and North America, there are historically many sagas and legends associated with this delicate spring flower. In some nations, its small white flowers are believed to symbolize the tears of Our Lady. As she made the journey to the crucifixion of Christ, the tears fell free from her eyes to the ground and turned into delicate snow-white flowers. It has been historically proven, in the 16th century the medicinal properties and miracle effects of the lily of the valley were reported for the first time in herbal books. The small white flowers are said to have a strengthening effect on the heart and their healing powers are praised. The lily of the valley is recommended for eye problems, dizziness and epilepsy. It is said to help with gout, fainting, inflammation and various other diseases.

Extra tip: Despite this interesting historical information, it should be said here that the lily of the valley is very beautiful, but poisonous. Especially the flowers and its red berries! Therefore extreme caution is required when handling this flower! It must be kept away from small children and pets. The water in a vase full of lilies of the valley can also contain toxins. So be forewarned!

Location and maintenance: The Marian flowers grow freely in the forest, under bushes, on meadows and in natural gardens. They like nutritious soil, thrive very well in acidic and calcareous soil, preferably in shady to partially shaded places. It spreads naturally, through rhizomes. The flower is easy to cultivate and can be found in many gardens these days. The lily of the valley is easy to care for and never takes up your time. But it delights the eyes and the senses with its tenderness. That is why the lily of the valley is a symbol of true love and introduces a lot of romance into your four walls if you want the flower at home. As cut flowers in vases, the delicate white beauties fill the room with their wonderful fresh scent! But one must never forget that beauty can also be dangerous! So again: Be careful, because the flowers of the lily of the valley contain poisonous substances, such as glycosides that affect the heart! So keep the flowers away from children and pets!

Lily of the valley in medicine and the perfume industry: The healing power of the Marian flowers is amazing, people have known their miracle effects for centuries. The lily of the valley is included in some medicines. It is said to help with cardiac arrhythmias, to strengthen the heart and to prevent a stroke. This flower can help with low blood pressure and has a positive effect on nervous weakness. That is why the lily of the valley is widely used in drug production and homeopathy. But it is also widely used in cosmetics. Its sweet scent is well known. The oil obtained from the flowers of the lily of the valley is used as a floral fragrance component in the manufacture of perfumes and other cosmetic products.

Additional information:

It is also interesting to know that the lily of the valley has been selected as the poisonous plant of the year 2014. This is just proof of its popularity, which actually has a long history. Because over the course of four decades the lily of the valley was praised as the spring flower of love and romance, honored as a true symbol of good hope. It is the true symbol of natural perfection. It was the favorite flower of Queen Victoria of Finland and is still celebrated in this country on May 1st. One celebrates love and good hope for the future!

Nowadays, the lily of the valley deserves our admiration, it shows that nature is the greatest artist! It enchants us with its natural beauty and puts us in a dreamy mood with its delicate fresh scent. For this reason, lilies of the valley are often seen in the bridal bouquet at many wedding celebrations. Because love and romance prevail there, right!