Lily of the valley grows easily in most locations, even without much care. Unlike other plants, you don't even have to cut back lily of the valley. On the contrary, this can actually be very disadvantageous. When cutting lily of the valley is necessary.
When and how should you cut lily of the valley?
Should lilies of the valley be cut? In general, lilies of the valley do not need to be cut, but removing spent inflorescences can be useful to prevent the formation of poisonous red berries and seed dispersal. However, leaves should never be cut back as they provide the plant with nutrients.
Cutting lily of the valley
- Cut off spent inflorescences
- Never cut back the leaves
- Plant residues in the compost or in the garbage can
- Wear gloves when cutting or picking
Cutting spent lilies of the valley
Basically, you don't have to cut lilies of the valley at all. However, there is a good reason to cut off spent inflorescences.
The red berries develop from them, which are very poisonous and in which the seeds form. If the inflorescence is not cut, the seeds will ripen and later spread throughout the garden via birds.
To be on the safe side, wear gloves when cutting lilies of the valley (€9.00 on Amazon). The flowers are also poisonous. The plant sap released by cutting back can trigger allergic reactions when it comes into contact with the skin. After caring for lily of the valley, you should wash your hands well.
Never cut back the leaves
The leaves of the lily of the valley shrink themselves in autumn. You should not cut it back unless you want to remove the spring flower from the garden.
In the summer, the lily of the valley absorbs new nutrients through its leaves, which are stored in the underground rhizomes.
Even if the lily of the valley leaves don't look as beautiful as the year progresses, it's better to leave them on the plant.
Cut lily of the valley for the vase
Lilies of the valley are often cut as spring bouquets or for arrangements or picked on the go.
Even if it is often read, picking in the wild is not prohibited in Germany, as long as there are just a few stems.
But consider the toxicity of the spring flower. Their toxins migrate into the water in the vase. Throw it away immediately when the flowers have faded. Be careful not to accidentally drink it.
Tip
You can throw the trimmings of lily of the valley into the compost. The toxins decompose in winter. Only if you want to destroy lilies of the valley do you dispose of them in the trash can, as the seeds also germinate on the compost.
