Erythronium dens-canis 'Lilac Wonder' P9

Erythronium dens-canis ‘Lilac Wonder’ is a dainty spring gem that proves small plants can still steal the show. Growing 10–15 cm tall, it forms elegant clumps of mottled, marbled green leaves, above which rise slender stems carrying soft lilac-pink, reflexed flowers — each bloom neatly swept back like a tiny shooting star practising ballet.

It thrives in partial shade, in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and is happiest in woodland settings where it can enjoy cool roots and spring sunshine before trees fully leaf out. Once settled, it will gently naturalise, asking only to be left in peace.

Interesting fact: The species name dens-canis means “dog’s tooth”, referring to the shape of the bulb — an odd image, perhaps, but thankfully the flowers themselves are all elegance and no bite.

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Image Copyright: © 2007, Beat Bäumler