Lily of the valley is an old Southern pass-along for deep shade: low mats of broad green leaves topped in spring with arching stems of small white bells, and the fragrance is famously strong for such a tiny flower. It spreads by underground runners into a groundcover about six inches tall.

Plant it in shade to part shade in moist soil; it copes with clay and with dry shade under trees once settled in. Deer and rabbits leave it alone. Every part of the plant is toxic if eaten, so site it away from curious pets and small children.