Lily of the Valley reincarnated!

Hello All...

In Spring 2022 I planted a small root of Lily of the Valley, we had a few leaves, but no flowers. Spring/Summer of 2023 it flowered and looked really healthy. Last year it failed to show, no trace of it at all, but I left marker in and didn't disturb the area. Today I've noticed what looks like Lily of the Valley growing in two areas. At least I'm pretty sure the 'spikes' are Lily of the Valley.

Does it do this, skip a year?

 

It has been known. In our last garden it only ever appeared in alternate years (and never flowered at all).

 

I wish mine would take a year off.

 

I've never actually been able to grow it in the ground, but it comes up reliably every year in a pot.

 

I have a hellebore which disappeared for a year, leaving just a stump, and then regrew from this tiny stump.

 

Thanks for the replies, I've never heard of a plant taking 'a year off'. We really do live and learn, especially when the topic is gardening.

I like that idea @Michael Hewett, I might try growing it in a pot.

 

IME, it’s very contrary. Comes and goes one year to the next at whim. Ditto flowering. Refuses to grow in the “ideal” spot and is then spotted in another garden thriving somewhere (according to the textbooks) completely unsuitable.

 

Good luck with it ! Mine took a year or two to 'settle in' but it's fine now and is flowering again this year.

 

My lily of the valley seem to have a close and loving relationship with snowdrops. They are everywhere. Here is an example of them, growing in less than 6” of “soil” against the foundations of a large, dry, west facing wall. Just coming into bud.