About
This perennial to around 25cm high, with paired, broadly-oval leaves, heavily-mottled with brown. In spring, brown, erect stems hold solitary, nodding, mauve-pink flowers, 4-5cm wide, which are edged with yellow at their bases. The reflexed petals reveal long, purple-tipped white anthers.
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
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Wildflower meadow
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 10cm deep in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial shade that does not dry out. 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