Convallaria majalis var. rosea (Pink Lily of the Valley)

Scientific Name

Convallaria majalis var. rosea Rchb.

Common Names

Pink Lily of the Valley

Synonyms

Convallaria majalis 'Rosea'

Scientific Classification

Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Nolinoideae
Genus: Convallaria

Flower

Color: Baby pink
Bloom Time: Late spring

Description

Convallaria majalis var. rosea is a delightful and rather rare variation on an old-fashioned favorite. Plants form a clump of large green leaves, bearing short spikes of fragrant baby pink bells in late spring. Clumps take a year or two to establish, then spread at a steady pace, in time forming a sizable patch.

How to Grow and Care

Despite its temperamental reputation, Lily of the Valley is easy to grow if you buy it ready potted in spring. Dried crowns take ages to get going and do not always survive, and it may also prove difficult to establish chunks supplied by friends. In both cases, pot up the crowns separately in a loam-based compost, water well and allow them to establish for a year before planting out. (You can do the same in midwinter, forcing the crowns for an early show indoors.)

At planting time, work in some hummus, good garden compost or, even better, leafmould. Spread out any underground stems and cover with just a couple of inches of the planting mixture—mulch well with leafmould. If you find that flowering is poor, an occasional dose of high-potash organic liquid feed may help. See more at How to Grow and Care for Lily of the Valley.

Origin

Native throughout the cool temperate Northern Hemisphere in Asia, Europe, and in the southern Appalachian Mountains in the United States.

Links

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