About

A spring-flowering, tuberous perennial to around 20cm high with lance-shaped, glossy, fresh green basal leaves and short stems carrying pendent, bright yellow flowers; this cultivar is reported to be more compact and carry more flowers/stem (i.e. more than four)than the species.

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
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing, North-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 usesRock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, 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