Erythronium dens-canis
dog's tooth violet bulbs
The foliage of this charming dog's tooth violet (Erythronium dens-canis) is a lush green, but comes 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.
How to care for Erythronium dens-canis:
Plant bulbs 10cm (4in) deep and 10cm (4in) apart in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, ideally in partial shade. Arrange in naturalistic drifts and leave undisturbed for several years to establish.
Apply a 5-7 cm (2-3in) mulch of leaf mould or compost in autumn to help conserve moisture and feed the roots. Leave plants undisturbed once established, and remove old foliage only after it has fully died back.
Avoid planting beneath thirsty trees or shrubs that dry out the soil in summer.
Apply a 5-7 cm (2-3in) mulch of leaf mould or compost in autumn to help conserve moisture and feed the roots. Leave plants undisturbed once established, and remove old foliage only after it has fully died back.
Avoid planting beneath thirsty trees or shrubs that dry out the soil in summer.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.15m
Eventual spread:
0.1m
Position:
Light shade / shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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Humans/Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten
5 × bulbs
£9.99
£2.00 each
available to order from summer
Unavailable
15 × bulbs
£27.00
£1.80 each
available to order from summer
Unavailable
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