Erythronium dens-canis 'Lilac Wonder'

RHS Plant Profile
dog's tooth violet 'Lilac Wonder'

Synonyms

Erythronium sibiricum 'Lilac Wonder'

Award of Garden Merit
Bulbs

A bulbous perennial to 20cm high, with paired, broadly oval leaves, heavily mottled with brown. In spring, upright stems hold nodding, lilac-pink flowers, with deep brown spots at the base of each recurved petal, and prominent white stamens with purple anthers

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Chalk, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Chalk Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Liliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Ornamental bulbs, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Ornamental bulbsnot to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant 10cm deep in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil that does not dry out, in partial shade. 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
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free