The Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a fragrant, shade-loving perennial known for its delicate appearance and sweet scent. It is a popular garden plant, often associated with the arrival of spring and symbolizing the return of happiness. Native to temperate regions across Eurasia, it has naturalized in parts of North America, where it forms dense, spreading colonies.
The Predominant Flower Color
The most common and naturally occurring flower color for the Lily of the Valley is pure, bright white. The plant is celebrated for its small, waxy, bell-shaped flowers that nod gracefully from an arching stem, forming a one-sided cluster called a raceme. This classic white hue is the standard genetic expression found in nearly all wild populations and the majority of commercially cultivated plants.
The blooms are intensely fragrant, typically appearing in mid-to-late spring and lasting for several weeks. Even a popular variegated cultivar, Convallaria majalis ‘Albostriata,’ retains this standard flower color. ‘Albostriata’ features creamy-white flowers, distinguishing itself instead with leaves that are longitudinally striped with creamy-white or pale yellow bands.
Rare Cultivated Color Variations
While white is the default, the Lily of the Valley does have a recognized color variation that is specifically cultivated: a pink or rose-colored form. This variation is most commonly sold as the cultivar Convallaria majalis ‘Rosea’. These pale pink flowers are considered an unusual and much rarer deviation from the natural white.
The color of ‘Rosea’ can be described as soft baby-pink or rose-tinted, often with a creamy-white base that matures into the delicate blush color. This specific color is the result of a genetic mutation or selective breeding, making it virtually non-existent in the wild. The pink variety shares the same sweet, powerful fragrance and bell-shaped structure as its white counterpart.
Other Color Elements of the Plant
Beyond the flowers, the plant’s color profile is dominated by its foliage and fruit. The plant produces broad, paired leaves that are a deep, dull green color. These leaves emerge from the base of the plant and typically reach up to 10 inches in length, creating a dense, lush green groundcover.
The most vibrant non-floral color element is the fruit, which develops after the flowers have faded. These are small, round berries that transition in color as they mature. Initially green, the berries ripen to a bright red or orange-red hue in the late summer and early fall. All parts of the plant, including these colorful berries, contain toxic cardiac glycosides and should not be ingested.