Overview
Erythronium dens-canis is a clump forming bulbous perennial in the genus Erythronium, part of the Liliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.2 m tall. Erythronium dens-canis grows best in partial shade and full shade, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include woodland garden, rock garden and naturalizing. It is native to Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, NW. Balkan Pen., Portugal, Romania and Spain.
About
Erythronium dens-canis, the dog's-tooth-violet is a bulbous herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Liliaceae. It is native to central and southern Europe from Portugal to Ukraine, and locally naturalised north to Germany, Great Britain, and Ireland.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Erythronium dens-canis
About the genus
Erythronium, the fawn lily, trout lily, dog's-tooth-violet or adder's tongue, is a genus of Eurasian and North American plants in the lily family, most closely related to tulips. The name Erythronium derives from Ancient Greek ἐρυθρός (eruthrós) "red" in Greek, referring to the red flowers of E. dens-canis.
Wikipedia contributors, "Erythronium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Erythronium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Erythronium
- Sunlight
- partial shade, full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- north, east, west, shaded
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Erythronium dens-canis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- bulbous perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.2 m
- Suggested uses
- woodland garden, rock garden, naturalizing
- Native to
- Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, NW. Balkan Pen., Portugal, Romania, Spain
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Erythronium dens-canis
- Cultivation
- Plant bulbs in autumn in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Prefers shaded or semi-shaded positions. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Remove dead foliage after flowering to tidy the plant.
- Propagation
- Propagation by seed or by division of bulbs after flowering.
- Pest resistance
- Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Erythronium dens-canis?
Plant bulbs in autumn in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Prefers shaded or semi-shaded positions. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Erythronium dens-canis?
Erythronium dens-canis prefers partial shade and full shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Erythronium dens-canis need?
Erythronium dens-canis grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Erythronium dens-canis?
Remove dead foliage after flowering to tidy the plant.
How big does Erythronium dens-canis grow?
Erythronium dens-canis reaches a height of 0.2 m.
Is Erythronium dens-canis hardy in the UK?
Erythronium dens-canis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Erythronium dens-canis?
Propagation by seed or by division of bulbs after flowering.