Overview

Convallaria majalis 'Rosea' is a perennial in the genus Convallaria, part of the Q157167 family. It typically grows around 0.2 m tall. Convallaria majalis 'Rosea' grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover and woodland garden. It is native to C & E Europe.

About

Convallaria majalis 'Rosea' is a low-growing perennial known for its strongly scented spring flowers. It reaches about 0.2 m and forms a carpet of leaves topped by nodding, fragrant blooms in April to May. It will grow in full sun through to full shade and suits sandy, loamy or clay soils from well-drained to wet. Wear gloves when handling as it is toxic if eaten and poisonous to pets.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lily of the valley

About the genus

Convallaria is a genus of flowering plants, commonly known as lily-of-the-valley. It includes three species native to temperate Eurasia and the east-central United States.

Wikipedia contributors, "Convallaria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Convallaria

In the garden

Convallaria majalis 'Rosea' is a perennial from Central and Eastern Europe grown for its scented spring flowers and ground cover habit. In the UK it flowers in April to May, offering a concentrated burst of scent when the small bells open. The plant typically reaches around 0.2 m high and is used where a low, flowering carpet is wanted, particularly in a woodland garden setting or as a shady ground cover. Plant in a position that suits a wide light range: it tolerates full sun through to full shade. Soil can be sandy, loamy or clay and may be well-drained, moist yet well-drained, or even wet; it copes with a variety of moisture levels provided conditions are not permanently waterlogged. It carries an H7 hardiness rating (fully hardy) and is also listed for USDA zones 2–7, so it withstands UK winter conditions without special protection. Safety matters: all parts are toxic if eaten, and the plant is poisonous to pets — wear gloves and appropriate protective equipment when handling and consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further contact details. The scented bells that appear in April–May give a clear seasonal signal when the plant shifts from leafy ground cover to a floral display.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Convallaria

Sunlight

Full sun, Full shade

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil moisture

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained, Wet

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Convallaria majalis 'Rosea' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial

Height

0.2 m

Suggested uses

Groundcover, Woodland garden

Native to

C & E Europe

Fragrance

Flower

Toxicity

TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Convallaria majalis 'Rosea'

Cultivation

Prefers shaded or semi-shaded positions with moist, well-drained soil. Avoid dry or waterlogged conditions.

Pruning

Remove dead or yellowing leaves after flowering to maintain appearance.

Propagation

Division in autumn or spring; also by seed but less common.

Frequently asked questions

More in the Convallaria genus

• 
  Convallaria majalislily of the valley
• 
  Convallaria majalis 'Berlin Giant'
• 
  Convallaria majalis 'Flore Pleno' (d)
• 
  Convallaria majalis 'Fortin's Giant'Lily-of-the-valley
• 
  Convallaria majalis 'Hardwick Hall'Lily-of-the-valley
• 
  Convallaria majalis 'Prolificans'lily of the valley 'Prolificans'
• 
  Convallaria majalis 'Variegata' or 'Lineata'Variegated Lily-of-the-valley