The Fragrant Perennial Queen Elizabeth Adored That You Can Easily Grow

When you think of Queen Elizabeth, chances are images of sparkly tiaras, sprawling castles, and royal pomp and ceremony, come to mind. For all the duties and responsibilities the Queen was tasked to fulfill, gardens were perhaps one of her favorite places to visit. Although you wouldn't have caught her on her hands and knees pulling weeds inside the gardens of her royal residences, she enjoyed strolling through them and admiring the beauty they brought. But behind all that formality, the Queen had a soft spot for something far more humble: Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis). With its tiny bell-shaped blooms and fresh scent, it's easy to see why this flower became part of her story.

While a dreamy rose that thrives for nearly 20 years was named after Queen Elizabeth,  lily-of-the-valley flowers have made appearances in key moments of her royal life, including among her wedding and coronation bouquets, decorating the church for her husband's funeral, and her farewell ceremony. In between those momentous events, lily-of-the-valley was a quiet fixture in the halls and gardens of Buckingham Palace. Perhaps what she loved about the dainty flower is that it doesn't scream for attention. It's not big and bold like roses or peonies. Instead, it quietly works in the background, filling the air with a scent that's light, clean, and unforgettable. Lily-of-the-valley isn't fussy, which makes it just as perfect for everyday gardeners as it was for the Queen.

You don't need royal gardeners or palace grounds to grow lily-of-the-valley in your own backyard. It's surprisingly easy to care for and actually thrives in shady corners to effortlessly fill your garden with color where other flowers might struggle. From dappled or partial shade to full sunshine, this pretty perennial will happily settle in when it's planted in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Planted as a lush, weed-suppressing ground cover underneath trees or along fences and walkways, lily-of-the-valley has a reach of up to 10 inches and a spread of up to 2 feet. Once established, this shade-loving plant spreads using its underground rhizomes, creating a lush, green carpet that comes alive with white blossoms each spring and summer. If its growth gets too out of hand, there are ways to get rid of lily-of-the-valley if it takes over your garden. Many gardeners prefer to plant it in contained beds where it can grow freely without overwhelming other plants.

Despite its dainty appearance, lily-of-the-valley is tough and reliable, thriving in a wide range of climates across USDA Zones 3 through 7. It needs very little care beyond occasional watering during dry spells. It's the kind of low-maintenance plant that rewards patience and consistency, returning every year with even more blooms. It may not be the flashiest flower, but lily of the valley is a plant that feels timeless, elegant, and quietly powerful — much like the majestic Queen who loved it most.