Erythronium dens-canis
dog's tooth violet bulbs
- Position: partial to full shade
- Soil: fertile, humus-rich, freely draining soil that does not dry out
- Rate of growth: average to fast
- Flowering period: April
- Hardiness: fully hardy
- Bulb size: 1
The foliage of this charming dog's tooth violet is a lush green, but is heavily marbled with purple-brown. It makes a great show all on its own, but the best bit is when the slender, upright stems emerge from the clump in spring bearing nodding pink-purple flowers. The petals are sharply recurved so the flowers look like they have been grown in a wind tunnel when fully open, but this just helps to reveal their yellow anthers. - Garden care: Plant bulbs 10cm deep and 10cm apart in naturalistic drifts where they can be left undisturbed for several years. Try to avoid planting under shrubs or trees that will soak up all the soil moisture in the summer.
- Humans/Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten