Plant Profile Botanical Name: Convallaria majalis Common Name: Lily of the Valley FAMILY NAME: Liliaceae Species and cultivars of special interest: Flore Pleno, Prolificans, rosea Origin: Europe Availability: Late September to mid october Foliage Characteristics: stem length is 20-25 cm. The leaves are large and broad. Floral Characteristics: comes in white or very pale pink. It has 15 small shaped flowers that open from the bottom of them stem upwards. The flowers are bell shaped. Special features and characteristics of special interest: lily of the valley is popular because of its scent. It is also known as ‘Our lady’s tears’ which refers to a legend that Mary shed tears at the cross that turned into lilies of the valley. Due to this legend they are sold as a tradition in France on May Day (1st of May) It is also the national flower of Finland. Maintenance, Cultural requirements and Post Harvest Treatments: Lily of the Valley is grown in field plantations and supplies mainly come from Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. They have a short vase life usually 4 – 6 days so it is not recommended to keep them in cool storage for more than 2 days. Cool storage should be 2-4 degreees. Buy flowers that have been treated with anti-ethylene treatment ( it is likely to be ethylene sensitive but it is still unknown) Pest and Diseases: Move and destroy infected plants, water the soil and make sure no moisture gets on plant when watering. Fungicide is used to protect plants. Use In Floristry: Can be used as everyday use in floristry and It is used as a transitional flower. It is popular for weddings Customer advice: Flowers will not last long if exposed to heat, re cut stems place in clean water and vase in a cool place with ventilation. It can have floral preservative. Buy when first bell has lost its deep green colour and is white. .