Quick Guide: spring, hardy, shade, height: 15-23cm/6-9in, width: 90cm/3ft

The lily-of-the-valley, Convallaria majalis (above), is one of the prettiest spring flowers, its graceful stems clothed with pure white bell-shaped blooms. With handsome leaves, it makes excellent ground cover in shady spots, spreading by means of creeping rhizomes. The lightly fragrant flowers are popular with flower arrangers.

GROWING Start with `pips' (root pieces with buds). Plant in autumn 5cm/2in deep in heavy, moisture-retentive soil that has previously been enriched with plenty of well-rotted organic matter. Mulch with leaf mould every autumn.

PROPAGATION Lift the rhizomes between autumn and spring and separate into crowns; replant, just covering with soil, and dress with leaf mould. Water well.

VARIETIES `Fortin's Giant', white; `Rosea', pink; `Variegata', leaves striped with gold.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Caterpillars damage the rhizomes; grey mould on leaves in wet weather.