Lily of the valley has these other names too, did you know?
Other names for lily of the valley
Lily of the valley is also called cao yu ling, jun ying cao, valley lily, bellflower, perfume flower, deer bell, xiao lu ling, cao cun xiang, mi zi cai, and lu li hua. The English names of lily of the valley arelily of the valley(Lily of the Valley),lady-tears(Our Lady's Tears),ladder to heaven(Ladder to Heaven).
Growing habits of lily of the valley
Lily of the valley likes cool, moist and semi-shaded environments. Under lower temperature conditions, it can still bloom and reproduce even in direct sunlight. It is extremely cold-hardy and dislikes heat and dryness. When the temperature rises above30°C, the plant's leaves will turn yellow and wither prematurely, so in the south it needs to be planted at higher altitudes where there is no intense summer heat. It prefers sandy loam rich in humus, moist and well-drained, and dislikes drought. It prefers slightly acidic soil, but can also grow normally in neutral and slightly alkaline soil. It goes dormant in summer.
The uses and value of lily of the valley
Ornamental value: Lily of the valley is the best semi-shade-loving ground cover plant for under deciduous forests, forest edges, forest clearings and the back of buildings. It can also be arranged with other flowers in flowerbeds and flower borders; lily of the valley is short in stature, elegant and graceful, and pleasantly fragrant, making it an excellent ground cover and potted plant. There are creamy white, pink and variegated-leaf varieties. In early autumn the red berries are delicate and attractive, very alluring. It can also be used for cut flower cultivation and as a ground cover plant.
Medicinal value: The whole plant of lily of the valley is used as medicine. After the fruit ripens in summer, harvest the whole plant, remove the soil, and dry it in the sun. Lily of the valley can not only purify the air, but also inhibit the growth and reproduction of tubercle bacilli, pneumococci and staphylococci. Lily of the valley has cardiotonic and diuretic functions, and is used for congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and left heart failure caused by hypertension and nephritis.
The flower language of lily of the valley
In France, lily of the valley is a symbol of purity and happiness. Every year on5May11st, French people exchange lily of the valley to wish each other a year of happiness. The recipient usually hangs the flowers in their room to keep for the whole year, symbolizing that happiness will stay forever. Lily of the valley can often be seen at French weddings. Giving this flower to the bride is to congratulate the couple on the arrival of happiness. It is probably because this small flower, shaped like a little bell, reminds people of a little bell that awakens happiness.