Plant Profile Picture or Drawing Botanical Name: Liliaceae Convallaria majalis Common Name: Lily Of The Valley FAMILY NAME: Asparagaceae Species and cultivars of special interest: Species: Convallaria majalis var. keiskei, C. majalis var. majalis, C. majalis var. Montana Cultivars: C. majalis 'Albostriata', C. majalis 'Green Tapestry', 'Haldon Grange', 'Hardwick Hall', 'Hofheim', 'Marcel', 'Variegata’, 'Vic Pawlowski's Gold', C. majalis 'Berlin Photo from Google Giant', C. majalis 'Géant de Fortin' (syn. 'Fortin's Giant'), C. majalis 'Flore Pleno', C. majalis 'Rosea' Origin: Forests of Europe and North America Availability: Spring (late September to mid October) Foliage Characteristics: --- Stems grow up to 25cm long --- Flowering stems bear two smooth, elliptical green leaves which are herbaceous --- Flowering stems have a raceme of 5 to 15 flowers --- Floral Characteristics: --- Flowers have six petals that form a bell---shape --- Flowers available in white and pale pink --- Bears red berries that dry translucent Special features and characteristics of special interest: --- Sweet scented --- Highly poisonous --- Traditionally used in weddings – symbolises a return of happiness --- Used as a herbal remedy Maintenance, Cultural requirements and Post Harvest Treatments: --- Harvest when the first bell has lost it’s deep green colour and has turned white --- Re---cut stems 2cm from the end, at an angle --- Store in buckets with clean water --- Use floral preservative --- Store between 2 to 4 degrees Celsius Pest and Diseases: --- Leaf spotting Use In Floristry: --- Transitional flower in flower arrangements --- Traditionally used in wedding bouquets Customer advice: --- Keep in clean water at all times --- Store in a cool, well---ventilated area as flowers are known to wilt quickly --- Possesses a short vase life .