Dog's-tooth-violet
Erythronium dens-canis · Liliaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant dog's-tooth-violet: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- March to April
- Adult size
- 15 to 25 cm in height
- Growth
- Rapid in spring
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-15°C)
- Origin
- Temperate Europe and Asia
- Soil type
- Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic
Care
Exposure
Plant your Erythronium in partial shade or light shade, ideally beneath deciduous trees. Excessive direct sunlight can dry out the bulbs and shorten the flowering period. Shaded exposure will preserve the delicacy of the flowers.
Watering
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during spring growth. Bulbs hate stagnant moisture: well-drained soil is essential. After flowering and foliage die-back, gradually reduce watering.
Soil
Prepare a rich potting mix enriched with organic matter (humus, mature compost) and well-structured. Adding sand or gravel improves drainage. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal for good flowering.
Fertiliser
Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertiliser at the start of the season, before flowering. Adding well-decomposed compost each autumn is usually sufficient. Avoid excess fertiliser, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove spent flowers to channel energy toward the bulb. Let the foliage turn yellow naturally before removing it: this is crucial for replenishing the bulb's reserves. No other pruning is necessary.
Diseases and pests
Erythronium is generally very healthy. Watch out for bulb rot if there's excess moisture: improve drainage if needed. Slugs can damage young leaves; mulching with good ventilation reduces this risk.
Did you know?
Its name 'Dog's Tooth' comes from the elongated, pointed shape of its white bulb, which resembles a canine tooth. Highly valued in Europe since antiquity, this bulb naturalises easily in woodland and has escaped from gardens to recolonise entire regions, creating spectacular pale pink carpets in spring.
Where to buy it
Plant the bulbs in autumn for spring flowering. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from September to November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.