Where can I find lily of the valley for May 1?
May 1 is just around the corner, and with it comes the tradition of giving lily of the valley as a good-luck charm! Whether you want to pick it in the woods, grow it in your garden, or buy it from an artisan florist, the Sessile.fr editorial team offers a comprehensive guide to help you find the prettiest sprig of lily of the valley.
Where does lily of the valley grow in the wild?
Before buying a bouquet, why not go out and see lily of the valley in its natural habitat? This unassuming plant grows wild in many French forests. But you still need to know where and how to spot it…
Ideal conditions for its growth
Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is a perennial plant that thrives in shady woodlands. It particularly prefers cool, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It blooms between late April and early May, depending on local weather conditions.
Understory, forest edges, and cool soils: key indicators
In the wild, lily of the valley is therefore found mainly in deciduous woodlands, forest edges, and wetlands with soil rich in organic matter. It often grows in colonies, forming pretty green carpets dotted with white bells.
I find my bouquet of flowers
Iconic forests where you can pick lily of the valley
Some forests are true havens for wild lily of the valley. Here are a few places known for yielding beautiful finds during a spring walk.
In the Île-de-France region: Rambouillet, Ferrières, Chantilly, Saint-Germain-en-Laye
- Rambouillet Forest (Yvelines): Vast and rich in biodiversity, it offers numerous trails perfect for foraging.
- Ferrières Forest (Seine-et-Marne): easily accessible and renowned for its flower-filled undergrowth.
- Chantilly Forest (Oise): known for its picturesque landscapes and carpets of lily of the valley.
- Saint-Germain-en-Laye Forest (Yvelines): close to Paris, perfect for a spring getaway.
In the region: Landes, Compiègne, Randan, Crécy, Seillon, etc.
- Compiègne Forest (Oise): one of the largest forests in France, abundant with lily of the valley.
- Randan Forest (Puy-de-Dôme): known for its biodiversity and shady undergrowth.
- Crécy Forest (Somme): offers a peaceful setting for foraging.
- Seillon Forest (Ain): popular with hikers for its wooded trails.
Before you go, check the local regulations regarding picking lily of the valley.
Picking lily of the valley without harming nature
Picking lily of the valley—yes… but not at any cost. To protect ecosystems and comply with the law, we recommend following these best practices.
Respect the plant: Do not pull up the roots
When harvesting, it is essential to cut the stems carefully, without pulling up the roots. This allows the plant to regenerate and bloom again the following year.
What the Law Says: Permitted Amounts and Precautions
Picking lily of the valley is permitted in public forests, but it is nonetheless regulated. The National Forestry Office (ONF) recommends limiting the number of stems to 10 to 15 per person. Excessive picking may result in a fine of up to 135 €.
How to Identify Real Lily of the Valley and Avoid Confusion
Lily of the valley is recognizable by its small, drooping white bell-shaped flowers and its distinctive fragrance. Be careful not to confuse it with Solomon’s seal, a poisonous plant with similar flowers but arranged differently.
Can you find lily of the valley in your garden?
Lily of the valley also makes its way into gardens! It’s a great way to combine tradition with respect for nature. Here’s how to plant it and keep it blooming year after year.
How do you care for or plant it?
Lily of the valley can be grown in your garden, provided you give it cool, humus-rich, well-drained soil and a location in the shade or partial shade. The rhizomes should preferably be planted inthe fall.
Replanting Lily of the Valley from the Florist
After flowering, potted lily of the valley can be transplanted into the ground. Choose a shaded spot, prepare the soil by enriching it with compost, and water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Where can I buy lily of the valley in town or online?
Don't have time to go to the forest or do some gardening? No problem. You can easily find lily of the valley in the city or online, at local florists or through delivery services.
At an artisan florist's: arrangements and single stems
The artisan florists in the Sessile.fr network offer a variety of lily of the valley, from a single stem to elaborate arrangements. When you shop with them, you support local businesses and receive personalized advice.
Order lily of the valley online
Many florists also sell lily of the valley online, with home delivery options. It's a convenient and efficient way to get some sprigs of lily of the valley without having to leave home.
Alternatives to a traditional bouquet: potted or dried lily of the valley
For a touchof originality, choose potted lily of the valley—which can be replanted—or dried lily of the valley, which will retain its charm even longer.
Sessile's thoughts on looking for lily of the valley for May 1
At Sessile, we believe that the lily of the valley on May 1 is not just a flower, but a meaningful symbol. Whether you pick it in the forest, grow it in your garden, or buy it from an artisan florist, the most important thing is to choose it carefully, with respect for nature and the seasons.
By choosing to buy lily of the valley from an artisan florist in the Sessile network, you’re supporting an eco-friendly, locally-focused initiative that promotes artisanal craftsmanship and short supply chains. It’s a small but meaningful gesture to celebrate spring and share a sweet moment of happiness with your loved ones!
Who are we?
Sessile champions the independence of artisan florists online. Founded in 2019 by six friends, Sessile brings together 500 florists committed to transforming the industry and enables flower delivery throughout France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. By breaking away from the traditional online catalog model, the network highlights each florist’s expertise and helps keep the art of floristry alive. Florists can pursue their passion and create more creative bouquets because they have greater freedom to offer seasonal flowers and, whenever possible, locally sourced flowers.
