Is there a trick to lilly of the vally

[Katie85]

I have tried to grow lilly of the vally a few times but it never works. It is a favorite from my childhood and I keep killing it.

 

[flowerbug]

i'm not sure of the southern chances as it seems to be more of a cooler woodland plant (at least where i've come across it doing well). do you have any partly shaded areas with sandy/loamy soil?

also, the plant being very poisonous would be a hazard to children if they think the red berries are edible...

 

[canesisters]

I tried it a few times and finally got it to grow AND come back this spring by planting under a big oak tree.
I built up a little area with good soil about 3' away from the trunk. I planted 10, eight came back this spring and most of them look like they've multiplied.

 

[Nyboy]

Here it grows like a weed, people call it invasive and warn about planting. I love it to are you tring to grow the pink color that can be tricky. White will need heavy shade in your part of country and lots of water.

 

[Katie85]

White and that msy be my problem. I have been planting ina sunny area. Thank you.

 

[ninnymary]

Nyboy sent me some ones and they didn't grow. But I've never seen it grow here so maybe it's not the right conditions.

Mary

 

[Nyboy]

They are a shade plant. But I found most shade plants can handle sun with enough water

 

[ducks4you]

I have a big patch on the N and NW corner of my house, shade to partial shade. They DO spread, so be wary about that. The shadier and wetter it is, the better they like it.

 

[flowerbug]

They are a shade plant. But I found most shade plants can handle sun with enough water

yes, that is how i've got the red astibile. in a low spot where it gets plenty of water. otherwise full sun most of the day. it's been there 10-15yrs by now. and in danger of being overgrown by trees.

 

[Just-Moxie]

I tried to grow it here, on the north side of a building. Still too hot.