The aim of the blog is to share our knowledge of what to plant, what is flowering and what you should be doing to prepare for the next planting season!
Learn about Erythroniums
Erythroniums are lovely, dainty and elegant with a charm all of their own. They are commonly referred to as ‘Dog Tooth Violet’ and produce exquisite reflexed petals. Erythronium dens-canis is the only variety that is native to Europe but of course you are now able to buy many other varieties. Most of the other varieties originate from North America and are not as easy as the dens-canis to grow and establish. Before flowering Erythroniums produce lovely mottled leaves of pale green/brown. Flowers then emerge from the centre of the clumps and grow from 15cm (Erythronium des-canis) to 40cm (Erythronium tuolumnense) tall. Erythronium pagoda is one of our most popular varieties and has wide flowers of soft, lemon yellow.
Cultivation
Erythroniums like to be grown in deep fertile soil and as they also prefer being planted in woodlands/under trees it is essential to locate a patch of deep soil between roots so as they can establish well. Cultivate the soil to a depth of 15cm-20cms if possible and then plant the tubers at about 10-15cms. Water in well and give a light covering of leaf mulch or similar. During the first 6 months ensure the soil does not dry out, whilst alos being careful not to over water. After this time they can be left alone to naturalise. Erythroniums can be left to naturalise and self seed in the same spot for many years.
Flowering
Seeds from the flowers will fall down on to the soil and usually these will be carried away to germinate by insects. If you do want to move or split the clump of erythroniums it is best done by lifting the whole clump, making sure that the tuber is not damaged. The best time to do this is when the leaves have shrivelled up. Separate the new tubers from the old ones and replant at a depth of 10-15cm we would recommend that after planting the erythroniums are left for at least 2 years before splitting any clumps so as they can establish themselves.
Over wintering
Erythroniums are hardy enough to be left outside over winter but will benefit by covering with a good mulch in the autumn to provide future food and to help protect them the harder frosts.
