Erythronium californicum
fawn lily
A bulbous perennial with a pair of elliptic, slightly mottled, rich green leaves and stems to 30cm bearing up to 3 nodding flowers 5-6cm in width. Flowers slightly scented, creamy-white with reddish markings in the throat
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream Red | Brown Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Green | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Potentially harmful
- Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- California
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant 10cm deep in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil that does not dry out. Bulbs in storage must be kept slightly damp. See bulb cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division after flowering
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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