About
Erythronium helenae, Helen's trout lily, is a bulbous woodland perennial from California producing paired, lightly mottled leaves and one to three nodding, white flowers with reflexed petals and a yellow centre in spring. A charming and ornamental Californian erythronium for moist, humus-rich, partly shaded conditions.
About the genus
Erythronium, the trout lilies or dog's-tooth violets, are bulbous woodland perennials with paired, often mottled, lance-shaped leaves and solitary or few-flowered racemes of nodding, reflexed-petal flowers in white, yellow, pink or mauve in spring. Excellent plants for moist, humus-rich, woodland conditions.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toW North America
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 that dries out in summer. Bulbs in storage must be kept slightly damp. See bulb cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, or by division after flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free