Lily of the Valley Shrub Speirantha gardenii
ABOUT
Speirantha gardenii, commonly known as false lily-of-the-valley, is an evergreen perennial that is notable for its glossy, dark green leaves which are leathery in texture and lance-shaped with slight waviness at the edges. The leaves form a tidy, ground-hugging rosette. In the spring, the plant produces clusters of small, fragrant white flowers that resemble tiny bells or stars. These blooms are nestled on short stalks amidst the foliage, offering a subtle yet charming display. The overall visual effect of false lily-of-the-valley is that of a lush and verdant ground cover, characterized by its leafy presence and delicate floral accents. Despite its modest floral show, the plant is appreciated for its shade tolerance and the year-round visual interest it provides thanks to its evergreen nature.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae.
Synonyms
False Lily of the Valley, Speirantha.
Common names
Speirantha convallarioides, Tupistra convallarioides, Tupistra gardenii, Reineckea convallarioides, Ophiopogon convallarioides.
ToxicityTo humans
Little fairy bells are not commonly known to be toxic to humans; however, it is always prudent to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically identified as edible. Ingesting any part of a non-edible plant may cause varying degrees of gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you suspect poisoning from any plant, it is important to seek medical advice promptly.
To pets
Little fairy bells are not widely recognized as a toxic plant to pets. Nonetheless, it is generally advised to prevent pets from consuming plants that are not verified to be safe for them. Ingestion of any part of plants not meant for animal consumption can potentially cause mild to severe gastrointestinal upset in pets, which may include symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or a lack of appetite. If you notice any signs of distress in your pet after ingesting this plant, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Speirantha gardenii, commonly known as False Lily of the Valley, has attractive, evergreen foliage and dainty white flowers that enhance the aesthetics of gardens and landscapes.
- Ground cover: The plant spreads slowly, forming a dense mat that helps to suppress weeds and reduce soil erosion.
- Shade tolerance: It thrives in shaded areas where other plants might struggle, making it a good choice for underplanting in woodland gardens or shaded borders.
- Low maintenance: Speirantha gardenii requires minimal care once established, needing only occasional watering and the removal of old foliage to keep it looking tidy.
- Drought resistance: Once established, it has a good degree of drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and drought-prone areas.
- Wildlife attraction: Its flowers are attractive to beneficial insects, such as bees, which are important for pollination in the garden.
- Seasonal interest: It provides year-round interest with its persistent leaves and seasonal bloom, adding to the garden's aesthetic across different seasons.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Decorative ground cover: Speirantha gardenii, commonly known as false lily of the valley, can be used as an attractive and low-maintenance ground cover in shady garden areas or woodland settings.
- Flower arrangements: The small, delicate white flowers of Speirantha gardenii can be used in fresh floral arrangements, especially in spring-themed bouquets.
- Accent plant in rock gardens: Its compact growth habit and tolerance of shade make it suitable for planting in crevices or shaded spots within a rock garden.
- Border plantings: Speirantha gardenii can be used to create soft borders along pathways or garden beds due to its neat, clumping growth.
- Erosion control: The spreading rhizomes of Speirantha gardenii can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes in shady areas.
- Companion plant: It can be planted alongside other shade-loving perennials, such as hostas and ferns, to create a varied and textured shade garden.
- Container gardening: Speirantha gardenii can be grown in containers on shady patios or balconies, where it can add lush greenery to the space.
- Fairy gardens: The small size and delicate appearance of Speirantha gardenii make it an ideal plant for creating fairy gardens or miniature landscapes.
- Ground cover under trees: Its ability to grow in shaded conditions makes it an excellent ground cover under tree canopies where few other plants can thrive.
- Conservation planting: Speirantha gardenii can be used in native plant gardens or conservation areas to support biodiversity and natural plant communities in shaded habitats.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Speirantha gardenii, commonly known as Christmas frost, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityChristmas frost is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Speirantha gardenii, commonly known as Christmas frost flower, often blooms in cool conditions, symbolizing the ability to withstand and thrive in challenging environments.
- Purity: The white blossoms of Christmas frost flower represent cleanliness and innocence.
- Renewal: As this plant can reappear with vibrancy each season, it symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings.
- Hope: The Christmas frost flower's ability to bloom during the colder months serves as a reminder that hope persists even in seemingly lifeless periods.
WaterFalse Lily of the Valley should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means once every week or two, depending on the humidity and temperature of the environment. It's best to use the 'soak and dry' method, thoroughly watering the soil until excess water drains out of the bottom of the pot, and then allowing it to dry out between waterings. The plant prefers consistently moist but not waterlogged soil, so providing about 16 to 24 ounces of water at each watering should suffice for a medium-sized pot.
LightFalse Lily of the Valley thrives in bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade. It should be placed in a location where it can receive filtered daylight, such as near a north-facing window or a spot that is shaded from the direct rays of the afternoon sun. Avoid exposing it to full, direct sunlight as this can cause leaf scorch.
TemperatureFalse Lily of the Valley is comfortable in a regular indoor temperature range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimal dips in temperature down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. Sudden changes in temperature or drafts should be avoided to maintain its health and vitality.
PruningPruning False Lily of the Valley isn't typically necessary, but if you want to shape the plant or remove damaged leaves, the best time to do it is after flowering in spring. Gently trim away any spent flowers or dead foliage to encourage new growth. This plant does not require frequent pruning; light maintenance once a year should suffice.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSpeirantha gardenii, commonly known as False Lily of the Valley, prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A good mix would be one part garden soil, one part peat or coco coir, and one part perlite or sand to facilitate drainage.
RepottingThe False Lily of the Valley should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a new pot that is only slightly larger than the current one to ensure the plant continues to thrive.
Humidity & MistingFalse Lily of the Valley thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 70%. It appreciates a humid environment but can tolerate lower humidity levels with less vigor.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Give bright, indirect light and maintain moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; mulch well to retain moisture.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleSpeirantha gardenii, commonly known as Garden's speirantha, begins its life cycle as a seed which, when conditions are favorable, germinates and produces a small seedling. The seedling then grows into a mature plant, developing a rosette of glossy, dark green leaves. It forms a rhizome underground which can spread, giving rise to new shoots and allowing the plant to propagate vegetatively. In spring, the mature plant blooms, producing petite, white, fragrant flowers that are pollinated by insects, leading to the production of seeds. After flowering and seed formation, the plant goes into a dormant phase, particularly in colder climates, where it conserves energy before the cycle restarts with new growth in the following growing season. Over time, clusters of plants can form as the rhizomes spread, creating a dense ground cover.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Speirantha gardenii, commonly known as false lily of the valley, is often propagated through division, which is a simple and effective method to create new plants. The best time for propagation is in the early spring as the plant emerges from dormancy or in the late fall after the foliage dies back. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring a good amount of roots are attached to each division. Gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, each with several growth points or shoots. Replant each division at the same soil depth as the original plant and water thoroughly. With proper care, these divisions will develop into robust new plants that will start producing their own flowers typically within the next growing season.
