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Erythronium hendersonii
  • RHS AGM

Henderson's fawn lily

A bulbous perennial to about 30cm with elliptical, wavy-edged, dark green leaves with dark brown blotches. In spring, each stem bears up to 10 pale lilac flowers with purple anthers and deep purple or yellow centres

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Brown Green
Summer Brown Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical 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
W North America

How to grow

Cultivation

Plant 10cm deep in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil that dries out in summer. Bulbs in storage must be kept slightly damp. See bulb cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or 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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