Like me, you probably think of Lily of the valley as being white but there’s also a dainty pink form, which is quite rare. The pink is stippled and subtle, as if it has been spray painted (although we’d better not go there, let’s say powder coated). Both forms prefer shady conditions, from dappled to full.
I’m including the ‘ordinary’ white version for comparison, although Lily of the valley never strikes me as anything other than a little, fragrant treat, no matter its colour.
Convallaria’s sweet, tumbling bells are famously used in perfumery and make evocative posies if you can bear to cut them. We had some of the white ones in our garden when I was a child but, over time, they melted away in the sunshine. They’re popular with brides in late spring and early summer because of their form, colour, scent and symbolism.
If you’re a fan of white roses and Lily of the valley, I think you’ll like the bouquet I posted a few years ago.
Shared for Cee’s Flower of the Day.
I never see lily of the valley without remembering those that surrounded the front of our house when I was a child, or this favorite camp song.
I knew exactly the song you meant, but I had to click on the link anyway, just to hear it. Thanks for the treat!
They do have an out of time quality.
Interesting, I had no idea, only thought there was white, both look beautiful.
I have seen double flowered ones too, but only of the white ones.
That’s interesting. To see the delicate pinks nestled amongst the greenery is quite attractive. It’s a very beautiful flower.
One of the classics.
I adore LOTV! When I moved here, I started a patch so that I would have enough to cut without worry. Boy, I do have A LOT now! I look forward to its blooming every year. 🙂
They’re happy to be with you.
Pink? Holy cats, what a treat! I’ve never seen pink. I have white here. One of my favorite little flowers.
The pink ones are fairy-like.
Sure are!
Wonderful photos of this lily of the valley 😀
Thanks, Cee.
I’m with Laurie, above: holy cats! I had no idea there were any but white! I do wish they weren’t such garden hogs; they are sweet in so many ways.
I wish I could say I’d never see them again without visions of them snuffling around in the undergrowth, but I fear I’ll forget.
Maybe I need an “unsay” button on my computer. “Snuffling” is such a good word!
I love lily of the valley’s scent and used to but the perfume. I also had a nice patch at a former home. So delicate but they grew in the hardest, rocky soil.
They’re a weird mix of tough and delicate, but flowers can be like that.
These are such delicate & lovely flowers!
The pink ones seem even more delicate than the white.
I’ve never seen those pink ones. What a treat! But white is still best I think!
We think of them as being white. It’s like common daisies – I love to see them with pink touches, but I couldn’t imagine an all-pink version.
Oh quite. Somethings just aren’t … right.