About
A group of bulbous perennials, with elliptic, dark green leaves lightly mottled with silver or brown. This group flowers early in spring, and plants are often slightly smaller than the species. Flower stems branch at or just below ground level, giving the appearance of multiple stems per plant, and bear red-flushed buds that open into creamy-white flowers with yellow centres.
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 hardinessH4
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
Native toUSA (California)
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