About
A bulbous perennial to about 30cm with elliptical, white-veined, light green leaves. In spring, upright stems each bear one to five flowers with swept back white petals, with red stripes and yellow blotches at the base.
About the genus
Erythronium are bulbous perennials with paired, ovate or broadly elliptic leaves, and leafless stems bearing one or more nodding, star-shaped flowers with recurved petals
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden
ToxicityOrnamental bulbs, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Ornamental bulbs, not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationPlant bulbs at least 10cm deep in autumn in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil that does not dry out, in partial shade. Bulbs in storage must be kept slightly damp. See bulb cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division after flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free