Have you ever caught a whiff of a perfume so delicate and sweet it instantly lifts your spirits? Chances are, that enchanting scent was lily of the valley. These tiny, bell-shaped flowers might look shy, but their fragrance is unforgettable.
While we might not see them growing wild along our park connectors in Singapore, their charm is undeniable. Many people are surprised to learn about the sheer variety available.
Let’s look at some of the most beautiful types of lily of the valley that capture hearts around the world.
1. Convallaria majalis (Common Lily of the Valley)
This is the timeless icon you probably picture in your mind, the one that has captured hearts for generations. Its delicate, arching stems are lined with nodding, pure white bells that release that famously sweet and intoxicating perfume.
While simple in its form, its understated elegance is its greatest strength, symbolising purity and the return of happiness. It is the definitive variety against which all others are measured.
2. Fortin's Giant
If you love the classic look but want something with a bit more presence, 'Fortin's Giant' is the perfect choice. This robust cultivar stands taller and produces significantly larger, bell-shaped flowers, offering a more dramatic display. The individual blooms are more pronounced, and their beautiful fragrance is just as powerful, if not more so. It’s a wonderful option for creating a lush, impactful bouquet.
3. Rosea (Pink Lily of the Valley)
For those who adore a touch of romance, 'Rosea' is a true treasure with its charming, pale pink blossoms. The colour is soft and subtle, like a gentle blush, giving the classic flower a completely new and whimsical personality.
It is a highly sought-after variety that brings a dreamy, fairytale quality to any floral arrangement. This pink version is a rare beauty that never fails to get people talking.
4. Albostriata (Variegated Lily of the Valley)
Here is a variety that understands beauty isn't just about the blooms. 'Albostriata' is prized for its stunning foliage, where each green leaf is artistically streaked with fine, creamy white lines.
These elegant stripes provide visual interest long after the flowers have faded, making it a brilliant choice for adding texture to a display. It's a plant that looks fabulous even before a single bell appears.
5. Prolificans
This is one of the most unusual and fascinating types of lily of the valley you can find. Instead of the typical single, bell-shaped flowers, 'Prolificans' produces unique, branched clusters of tiny, greenish white florets.
It has a slightly wild and wonderfully textured appearance, almost like a miniature floral firework. It’s a real conversation starter for the plant lover who appreciates the quirky side of nature.
6. Bordeaux
The elegance of 'Bordeaux' lies in a subtle but striking detail that sets it apart. While the flowers are a classic pure white, the base of the flower stems features a deep, wine-red or purplish marking.
This beautiful contrast makes the white bells pop even more, adding a touch of sophisticated drama to the plant. It's this refined detail that makes it a favourite among discerning florists and gardeners.
7. Hardwick Hall
'Hardwick Hall' is another variety celebrated for its magnificent foliage. Each broad, green leaf is edged with a distinct, crisp margin of creamy yellow, creating a bold and beautiful outline.
This bright border catches the light wonderfully and ensures the plant remains a standout feature throughout its growing season. The classic white flowers look especially lovely against this two-toned backdrop.
8. Vic Pawlowski's Gold
For a truly radiant display, this cultivar is second to none. 'Vic Pawlowski's Gold' boasts dramatic golden yellow stripes on its leaves that are much bolder and brighter than those on other variegated types.
The brilliant foliage seems to glow, bringing a splash of sunshine to any arrangement. It is an incredibly showy and vibrant variety that commands attention.
9. Plena or Flore Pleno
If you believe more is more, then you will absolutely fall in love with the 'Plena' variety. Each flower is a "double," meaning it is packed with at least twice the number of petals as a standard lily of the valley.
This gives the blooms a fluffy, pom pom-like appearance that is incredibly charming and full. They offer a lush, almost rose-like texture while still retaining that beloved bell shape.
10. Grandiflora
Similar to 'Fortin's Giant', the 'Grandiflora' variety is all about making a big impression. As its name suggests, it is known for producing exceptionally large flowers on strong, sturdy stems.
The individual bells are noticeably bigger and more open, which helps to release their heavenly scent into the air. This makes it an excellent choice for cut flowers, as just a few stems can fill a room with fragrance.
11. Berlin Giant
Much like its cousin 'Fortin's Giant', this German cultivar is bred for impressive stature and vigour. It produces wonderfully large, fragrant, and brilliantly white bells on tall, strong stems that stand proudly above the lush foliage.
This variety is known for being particularly robust and reliable, forming a dense and healthy-looking patch. It’s an excellent choice for anyone wanting a lily of the valley with a truly commanding presence.
12. Convallaria majuscula
Often called the American Lily of the Valley, this is technically a distinct variety of subspecies native to the United States.
It tends to be slightly larger in all aspects, with broader leaves and bigger bells compared to its European relative, Convallaria majalis. It is also reputed to have slightly better tolerance for warmer conditions, though it still requires a cool climate to truly flourish.
13. Golden Jubilee
This is a real showstopper, celebrated for having some of the most spectacular golden foliage you can find. New leaves emerge in spring with a brilliant, almost entirely golden-yellow hue that is simply stunning.
As the season progresses, the leaves soften to a lovely chartreuse green, providing a beautiful backdrop for the classic white flowers. It’s a must-have for anyone looking to add a vibrant splash of colour.
14. Variegata
While 'Albostriata' is known for its fine, linear stripes, 'Variegata' is a more general term for varieties with creamy-yellow markings on their leaves.
The pattern can often be bolder and less uniform, sometimes appearing as wider bands or more irregular splashes of colour. This striking variegation adds a wonderful decorative quality, ensuring the plant remains an eye-catching feature all season.
15. Hofheim
A truly robust pink-flowering variety, 'Hofheim' is treasured for its strong constitution and reliable performance.
It produces beautiful bells in a distinct shade of pink that stands out beautifully against its rich green leaves. The flower stems are notably sturdy, making it a great choice if you're looking for a coloured variety with a bit more resilience and presence.
16. Green Tapestry
'Green Tapestry' is a foliage-focused variety for those who appreciate subtle and complex beauty. Its leaves are distinguished by a unique, mottled pattern of different shades of green, creating a textured, almost camouflaged appearance.
This intricate mottling gives the foliage a sense of depth and artistry that is quite different from the striped varieties.
17. Aurea
Not to be confused with the striped golden varieties, 'Aurea' has leaves that are a solid, uniform shade of gold or yellow-green.
The colour is brightest when the leaves first emerge and provides a fantastic contrast with other green plants. This constant wash of golden colour makes it a brilliant choice for brightening up a shady corner or adding a consistent warm tone to a display.
18. Fernwood's Golden Slippers
This charmingly named cultivar offers a softer and more delicate take on golden foliage. The leaves have a lovely, glowing chartreuse or lime-green colour that is both bright and soothing to the eye. It provides a luminous, gentle light to its surroundings, perfectly complementing the dainty white flowers.
19. Dorien
'Dorien' is a Dutch variety that is highly prized by professional florists, and for very good reason. It has been specifically cultivated to produce exceptionally long, straight, and strong flower stems, making it absolutely perfect for use in bouquets and floral arrangements.
The flowers are large and well-spaced, creating an effortlessly elegant and clean look that is ideal for weddings.
20. Dora
'Dora' is another beautiful pink-flowered option, often noted for its particularly pale and delicate shade of pink. The colour is a soft, ethereal whisper, giving the blooms an incredibly romantic and gentle appearance. It is a fantastic choice for creating arrangements with a soft, pastel colour palette.
Conclusion About The Types Of Lily Of The Valley
From the classic, pure white bells that signify happiness to the beautifully striped leaves that add year-round interest, there truly are so many fascinating types of lily of the valley.
Each one has its own personality, ready to bring its delicate beauty and heavenly fragrance into your life. Whether you admire them in a garden or as part of a stunning arrangement, their charm is simply irresistible.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Types Of Lily Of The Valley
Can Lily Of The Valley Grow In Singapore's Climate?
Growing lily of the valley in Singapore is very challenging. They are temperate plants that require a period of cold dormancy to flower. While it might be possible in controlled environments like a temperature-regulated greenhouse, they will not typically thrive in our tropical heat and humidity.
What Do Lily Of The Valley Flowers Symbolise?
These delicate flowers are rich in symbolism. They most commonly represent the return of happiness, purity, humility, and sweetness. In the language of flowers, they convey a heartfelt message of love and appreciation.
Are Lily Of The Valley Plants Poisonous?
Yes, all parts of the lily of the valley plant, including the flowers, leaves, stems, and berries, are highly poisonous if ingested. It's important to keep them away from children and pets and to wash your hands after handling them.
How Long Do Cut Lily Of The Valley Flowers Last In A Vase?
When properly cared for, a bouquet of lilies of the valley can last from three to seven days. To maximise their vase life, trim the stems at an angle, use a clean vase with fresh water, and keep them in a cool spot away from direct sunlight.
What Is The Best Time To Send Lily Of The Valley As A Gift?
Lily of the valley is the traditional birth flower for the month of May, making it a perfect birthday gift for anyone born in that month. It is also a popular choice for weddings, anniversaries, and to simply say "you bring happiness to my life."
