Pink Lily of the Valley Convallaria majalis var. rosea

Water

Pink Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis var. rosea) should be watered moderately, ensuring that the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. During the active growing season in spring and early summer, water the plant with about 1 gallon of water per week, depending on the climatic conditions and soil type. If the weather is particularly dry or hot, increase watering frequency to twice per week, making sure to check the soil moisture before adding more water. In the dormant season, reduce watering significantly, allowing the top of the soil to dry out between watering. Always use lukewarm water to avoid shocking the plant's roots.

Light

Pink Lily of the Valley prefers dappled sunlight to partial shade. The ideal spot is beneath deciduous trees where it can receive filtered light or a few hours of morning sunlight, avoiding the harsh afternoon sun. It can also thrive in north-facing gardens where it receives gentle, indirect light throughout the day.

Temperature

The Pink Lily of the Valley is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures; it thrives in temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can survive minimum winter temperatures down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum summer temperatures up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, for optimal growth and flower production, ensure it is protected from extreme temperatures and harsh winds.

Pruning

Pink Lily of the Valley requires minimal pruning, primarily to remove spent flowers after blooming and to tidy up any dead or yellowing leaves. This helps to prevent disease and encourages more blooms the following season. The best time to prune is immediately after flowering has finished, usually in late spring or early summer.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Pink Lily-of-the-Valley (Convallaria majalis var. rosea) thrives in rich, well-draining soil high in organic matter, like a mix of loam, peat, and leaf mold with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. To create an ideal soil mix, combine two parts loam, one part peat, and one part leaf mold or shredded bark to encourage aeration and moisture retention. Adjust the pH with sulfur or lime if necessary to maintain slight acidity.

Repotting

Pink Lily-of-the-Valley should be repotted every 3-4 years or when it outgrows its current container. These plants spread by rhizomes and can become pot-bound fairly quickly, so regular division and repotting will help maintain their health. Repotting is best done in the dormant season, late fall or early spring.

Humidity & Misting

Pink Lily-of-the-Valley prefers a moderate humidity level, similar to typical outdoor conditions, ranging from 40% to 60%. As a woodland plant, it does not require the high humidity that more tropical plants might, making it well-suited to average home environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Pink Lily-of-the-Valley near a window with indirect light.

• Outdoor

  Grow in partial shade, moist soil, away from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

Convallaria majalis var. rosea, commonly known as pink-flowered lily of the valley, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in moist, shady conditions often in spring. Following germination, growth proceeds with the development of rhizomes—underground stems that produce the roots and shoots for the new plants. The shoots mature into stems with a pair of leaves and eventually, the distinct bell-shaped pink flowers bloom in the late spring. After flowering, the pollinated blooms give way to small red berries, which contain seeds that are dispersed by animals, completing the reproductive cycle. During the autumn, the plant's above-ground foliage dies back, and it enters a period of dormancy over the winter. The rhizomes survive the cold months to sprout new growth the following spring, continuing the perennial cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• Convallaria majalis var. rosea, commonly known as Pink Lily of the Valley, is typically propagated through division, which is most effectively done in the fall after the foliage has died back. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant's rhizomes, which are underground stems, and separate them by hand, ensuring that each division has at least one growth tip or bud. These divisions can then be replanted immediately in well-prepared soil, spaced about a foot (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for growth and watered thoroughly. Dividing the plant every three to five years not only helps to propagate Pink Lily of the Valley but also rejuvenates older clumps that may have become less vigorous over time.