About
A slow spreading, bulbous perennial to around 15cm high, with elliptic, slightly glossy, rich green leaves sometimes mottled with purple-brown. Solitary flowers, opening near-white and maturing to lilac pink and with spreading, slightly reflexed petals, are borne on slender stems above the foliage in spring.
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
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
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
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
CultivationGrow in light or dappled shade, in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil that does not dry out in summer. Bulbs must be kept slightly damp until planted, and planted at least 10cm deep in late summer or early autumn. Well suited to woodland planting. See bulb cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division of established clumps, after flowering. Plants dislike disturbance and may take time to re-establish
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free